(Communicated by the Cabinet Secretariat)
At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 1 March 2009:
1. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert discussed the security situation in the communities in the south and made the following remarks:
"Eleven rockets were fired at our communities in the south of the country over the weekend. The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, led by Hamas, are trying to recover from the harsh military blow they took during Operation Cast Lead and are doing so in the only way they know how – terrorism. On 18 January 2009, Israel unilaterally decided to hold its fire; we took into account the possibility that firing by the terrorist organizations might resume. Regarding this possibility, the Government formulated an unequivocal policy, which the Cabinet approved unanimously, to the effect that should the firing from the Gaza Strip continue, it would be met by a painful, sharp, strong and uncompromising response by the security forces, led by the IDF. This was the decision and it will be implemented until the terrorist organizations understand that this way is one which the State of Israel cannot in any way accept or countenance.
This decision determines a working procedure according to which Defense Minister Ehud Barak will instruct the security forces to operate in accordance with the policy we have declared, i.e. that the Israeli response will – in no way – be what the terrorist organizations expect. The State of Israel has a wide range of options that will be utilized in order to bring complete quiet to the south."
2. At its 25 February 2009 meeting, the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs authorized Prime Minister Olmert to submit – for Cabinet approval – a draft decision regarding a supplement to the Defense ministry budget. The Cabinet discussed the issue today and decided as follows:
In light of Operation Cast Lead and previous commitments to the security establishment, NIS 2.45 billion will be added to the security budget – NIS 2 billion to the budget that was approved by the Government for 2009 and NIS 450 million to the draft 2010 budget.
In addition to the foregoing, the Cabinet noted Prime Minister Olmert's statement regarding his approval of the release of NIS 800 million release from the 2009 reserves for unplanned events (as per the Brodet Committee report).
3. Education Minister Prof. Yuli Tamir and senior Education Ministry officials briefed ministers on the New Horizon reforms, technology education, the construction of thousands of new classrooms and action to reduce the digital gap. Prime Minister Olmert stressed the importance of strengthening the education system.
4. Justice Minister Prof. Daniel Friedmann briefed the Cabinet on the recommendations of the inter-ministerial committee on issues regarding legal counsel to Government ministries. The Cabinet approved the recommendations.
5. Cabinet Secretary Oved Yehezkel briefed ministers on the issue of the Jewish communities in the countries of the former USSR. The Cabinet approved the recommendations that were tabled on the issue:
These Jewish communities will be recognized as a main focus and goal for concentrated efforts to deepen Jewish identity and encourage immigration to Israel. To this end, the Government will work with the "Netiv" Liaison Office in cooperation with Zionist and Jewish organizations around the world, especially the Jewish Agency. Cab.-Secy. Yehezkel will chair a steering committee to formulate policy recommendations on expanding activities in accordance with the foregoing.
Immigration to Israel is one of the state's main strategic assets. It is a fundamental component in building up the country, society and the Israel economy, and fulfills an important role in bolstering Israel's strength as a Jewish-Zionist state, including the preservation of a positive demographic balance. Strengthening Diaspora Jewish communities' Jewish and Zionist ties and raising the profile of the State of Israel in Jewish discourse around the world is a main ingredient in encouraging immigration to Israel. The Jewish population of the countries of the former USSR is a main source of potential immigration; this requires action by both the Government and other Zionist organizations. This population is undergoing accelerated assimilation. This continuous and deepening trend of disengagement from the State of Israel and the Jewish people will lead to the loss of the third largest Jewish Diaspora community in the world.
The object of this proposal is to put at the forefront of the State of Israel's priorities the tightening of the bonds of the population in the countries of the former USSR that is eligible for the Law of Return, to the state of Israel and the Jewish People.
6. Vice Premier Haim Ramon briefed ministers on plans regarding Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Israel. The Government approved the plans. Government ministries and bodies involved in planning for the visit will act as follows:
- The Prime Minister's Office will have overall responsibility for the Pope's visit in the preparation stage, during the visit and regarding actions that may be necessary after the visit. Media responsibility will be via the National Information Directorate.
- The Foreign Ministry will be responsible for: a) Coordination and liaison with Vatican officials both in Israel and abroad; b) Agreeing on an itinerary with Vatican officials; c) Issuing updates regarding the itinerary; d) Coordination with other ministries regarding the itinerary; e) Ceremonies; f) Media and information activities in accordance with the policy that will be formulated; and g) Setting up a national media center.
- The Israel Security Agency will be responsible for: a) Advance staff work and coordination with the Israel Police and the IDF during the visit; and b) Overall security of the Pope during the visit.
- The Defense Ministry and the IDF will be responsible for the welcoming and departure ceremonies at Ben-Gurion International Airport and the Pope's flight.
- The Public Security Ministry and the Israel Police will be responsible for security, public order and traffic arrangements during the visit, and will assist the ISA.
- The Finance Ministry will formulate a budget to be approved for immediate use.
- The Health Ministry and Magen David Adom will be responsible for planning and implementing medical exigencies during the visit.
- The Chief Rabbinate will be responsible for the "religious" issues involved in the visit of such a senior Christian figure.
- The Interior Ministry (including the Minority Communities Division) and the Fire and Rescue Service will be responsible for fire safety at all sites and events and will assist in expediting such building and planning permits as may be necessary by law.
- The Transport and Road Safety Ministry will upgrade roads as per need, assist in transport arrangements for the various Masses as per need and arrange for permits for the vehicles of the Pope and his entourage.
- The Tourism Ministry will be responsible for maximizing the tourism potential of the visit, upgrading tourist sites as per need and in accordance with the plan that will be approved and will implement such media and information activities as will be determined.
- Local authorities will be responsible for Papal events in their areas, including Masses.
- The President's Office will be responsible for the President's commitments as the Pope's official host.
A control center for the visit will be established under the authority of the Israel Police Inspector-General, or his representative, in coordination with the responsible minister. All relevant ministries and government bodies will participate in the center. The responsible minister will submit sensitive issues regarding the visit (including the Pope's visit to the Palestinian Authority and to the Temple Mount) to the Prime Minister for his approval.