In late February, only three months ago, the Antitrust Authority, headed by director general Prof. David Gilo, announced that the discussions for breaking up the gas monopoly would be postponed for two months, until after the elections and the formation of a new government. Kulanu chairman Moshe Kahlon, who announced his intention of becoming Minister of Finance, severely criticized the decision at the time, in contrast to his recent thundering silence. As Minister of Finance, he has now unexpectedly recused himself on the gas issue, citing his close relations with Koby Maimon, who has an interest in the Tamar natural gas reservoir through isramco, and has transferred his authority to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite having promised to deal with the issue before the elections.
It turns out that in a pre-election Channel 2 interview, Kahlon unequivocally promised more than once that he would break up the gas monopoly.
Immediately after Gilo's decision in February to postpone the discussion, the Kulanu Party published the following statement:
"The chairman of the Kulanu Party made his first comment on the decision by the Antitrust Authority director general to postpone dealing with the gas monopoly until the next government is formed, saying, 'This is another government surrender to the monopolies and tycoons, and the public is the big loser. The circus will end on March 18. As Israel's next Minister of Finance, I will act courageously and decisively on behalf of the public against overconcentration to liquidate the monopolies, cut the cost of living, and on the side of all citizens of Israel.'"
Kahlon did not mention his ties to Maimon in that statement. Today, three months later, the situation is completely different. Gilo resigned for lack of government backing for liquidating the gas monopoly, Kahlon is shirking his responsibility, and all authority in the matter has been given to Netanyahu, who is falling in line with the gas companies.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 27, 2015
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