In a farewell interview with “IDF Radio" (Galei Zahal), Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Stanley Fischer has said that Israel could be doing more to achieve peace.
Is the Israeli government doing everything possible to push forward talks with the Palestinians?
"We could have made more effort to reach a peace agreement. What happened with Sadat won't repeat itself. Israel has partners but we must help strengthen them."
Did you enjoy your discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?
"Yes. He's very smart and knows how to debate. He understands things quickly."
Asked if he thought that criticism of his successor Prof. Jacob Frenkel was justified he said, "I didn't expect the criticism and it is not justified."
Galei Zahal But in contrast to Frenkel you have seen the social protests and the changing public debate. Can Frenkel change gear and be different to the governor he was?
"I think so. This is a man that reads, sees and thinks."
Poverty is the big problem here, can the prime minister, finance minister and new governor deal with it?
"It's very difficult to deal with, there are no magical solutions. I hope that dealing with the causes of inequality will contribute to this."
Netanyahu and Steinitz conducted 'election economics' and brought about the budget deficit?
"It depends less on them and more on Ministry of Finance officials. There were people in the Ministry of Finance that made mistakes."
Are you concerned about populism here?
"Very much so. We are not Sweden or the US. We have less money."
Were interested parties pressing over the decision on gas exports?
"The politicians have to make decisions for the good of the country."
When did you decide to step down?
"I don't know. Our children don't live here and I have a long list of things I want to do, and I've achieved most of them. It's time to move on."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 27, 2013
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013