Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this evening, with Eitan Wertheimer, Chairman of the Board of ISCAR, 80% of which was sold over the weekend to Warren Buffet for $4 billion.  “This is major news and a great present for the State of Israel.  We salute you, both personally and on behalf of the entire State of Israel.  This sale will provide great momentum to the Israeli economy and I am certain that it will lead to other economic benefits,” the Prime Minister said.

Wertheimer thanked Prime Minister Olmert and said that he always mentions the fact that he was in contact with the Prime Minister, who supported the sale, and with whom he is considering and planning how the acquisition of ISCAR can be an economic lever for the State of Israel.  He added that he views the transaction as lighting an economic torch just as his father, ISCAR founder and Honorary Chairman Steff Wertheimer, lit one of the torches on Independence Day.  He added that Warren Buffet’s declaration of confidence was an important statement for the country and will be spoken of in the same light as the Balfour Declaration.

Prime Minister Olmert is due to speak with Warren Buffet tomorrow afternoon.