Minister of Housing and Construction Ariel Atias spoke at the "Globes" Israel Business Conference, saying that he works "day and night" on lowering housing costs, because it is an issue at the heart of a family.
Atias continued, "Someone who does not have a house feels that he is missing something, he does not have self-confidence. We are not in America and we don't need to educate the public that they don't need to buy, and can rent. People here take on debts beyond their abilities; no one is 100% sure of their job or of their future expenses.
"I took upon myself a very difficult task. It takes time, and we don't need to listen to detractors and those who say that prices will always continue to rise because there is a lack of land. There are an infinite number of problems, not everything is in my field and I cannot do it all. But in my hands I have tools to do all that is possible. I cannot lower taxes; I can explain to the Treasury that it is absurd that in the end, 40% of the price of an apartment is taxes, but I seek to act."
Atias also revealed to his listeners Housing Ministry figures which show that in the center of the country (Hadera to Gedera) there are 53,000 housing units which are planned, but are being held up. "I deal with this on a daily level. We review project by project in order to release apartments. In the coming weeks we will abolish a decision of the previous government which was to stop planning in the center. It was an incorrect decision and we will correct it."
Atias also said that he sought more regulation on buyers groups.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 14, 2009
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