"The government's first task is to pass a budget; a budget that will protect the Israeli economy, will continue to do what we've done, will continue to ensure growth, and growth which will ensure jobs in the Israeli economy. I will give my full support for the passage of a responsible budget," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a meeting of Likud ministers. The ministers approved the appointment of MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud-Beytenu) as Speaker of the Knesset.
The coalition agreements for the new government are due to be signed later today.
"We will continue to protect the Israeli economy from the global upheaval and ensure growth," continued Netanyahu. "We will do what is necessary on both the diplomatic and security side to bring good news to Israel."
MK Fania Kirshenbaum (Likud-Beytenu), who will apparently not receive a portfolio, belying predictions, was absent from the meeting.
Netanyahu said, "The coming term will be one of the most challenging in the country's history. This is no exaggeration. We face security and diplomatic challenges. The important thing is for this government to be able to meet the challenges. We did our best with 31 Knesset seats; we've kept the important portfolios. We've taken back the defense portfolio and we've kept the foreign affairs portfolio."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 14, 2013
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013