“A short time ago, Avraham Hirchson informed me that he is taking a temporary leave of absence as Finance Minister against the background of the investigations against him.  I wished him success and thanked him for his work – up unto the last minute – as Finance Minister, from which the Israeli economy and Israeli society greatly benefited.

Temporarily, in accordance with the law, I will serve as Acting Finance Minister.  Today I will summon Finance Ministry Director-General Yarom Ariav and other senior Finance Ministry officials for consultations and to update me on all operative matters.  We will continue to implement the plans that we will discuss at today’s Cabinet meeting.  Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg will brief us on the 2008-2010 national socio-economic plan (http://tinyurl.com/34tqvf).
 
Regarding employment, the plan will seek to boost participation in the labor force by 1% per annum, from 68% to 71% over three years.  This means the addition of 92,000 newly employed persons to the Israeli economy.  Unemployment currently stands at 7.7%, the lowest rate in the past decade, as a result of the right policies and rapid economic growth, under the leadership of this Government and under the guidance of the Finance Ministry and Finance Minister Avraham Hirchson in the past year.
 
Today we will receive a detailed briefing from Education Minister Yuli Tamir, approve the appointment of Israel Police Maj.-Gen. David Cohen as the next Israel Police Commissioner (http://tinyurl.com/245uv4) and take our leave of outgoing Israel Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi.
 
Today’s meeting precedes Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars and Independence Day (http://tinyurl.com/2lacgf).  We are characterized by an unprecedented phenomenon – tomorrow morning we will go to cemeteries to mourn our dear ones and tomorrow evening we will joyously celebrate our independence.
 
Going to the cemeteries, difficult as it may be, is an inseparable part of our independence, which we will celebrate not only as an expression of a 59-year-old historical memory but an expression of recognition and deep appreciation for our ability to defend ourselves anew every year for 59 years.
 
For many years, the bereaved families have been troubled by the issue of the compensation they receive from the State of Israel.  A public committee chaired by Prof. Yaacov Ne’eman discussed the issue.  Both the current and previous Defense Ministers have recommended adopting its conclusions regarding the nature of the compensation paid to the families.  I have decided that, in light of these recommendations, the compensation paid to bereaved families will be unrelated to means testing.  Henceforth, bereaved families – whether as a result of Israel’s wars or terrorism – will receive equal compensation that reflects the State’s recognition that the unbearable price they have paid cannot be a function of their economic situation.  This is what should be and this is what will be.”