Cabinet Approves Dr. Klein as Bank of Israel Governer
(Communicated by Prime Minister's Media Advisor)
Jerusalem, January 16, 2000
The cabinet today (Sunday) 16.1.2000, decided to recommend to the
President to appoint Dr. David Klein as Bank of Israel Governor by a
10-7 vote, with 5 abstentions.
Prime Minister Ehud Barak said at the end of the cabinet meeting
that there had been a legitimate and democratic debate between
differing economic perspectives that however had a common objective.
He said that he is convinced that the ministers want to encourage
growth and investment and create jobs after several very difficult
years for the Israeli economy.
The Prime Minister said his government has shown great social
sensitivity in the five months of its term, expressed by a long
series of social decisions such as the Public Housing Law, the
Veterans Law, student loans, a significant increase to the health
and welfare budgets, today's approval of additions to the health
basket and solving the problem of the disabled.
Prime Minister Barak noted that the government, as sovereign, is
responsible for economic and social policy, and can be proud of its
achievements so far. It is the government that determines inflation
targets and the Bank of Israel Governor who implements them.