An attempt is made to share the truth regarding issues concerning Israel and her right to exist as a Jewish nation. This blog has expanded to present information about radical Islam and its potential impact upon Israel and the West. Yes, I do mix in a bit of opinion from time to time.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Shas Threatens Once Again to Quit Government
Hillel Fendel
Shas is once again threatening to quit the government and bring it down - this time, over the issue of child allowances, which were sharply decreased several years ago and which Shas has consistently demanded be increased.The Shas Party's Council of Torah Sages, headed by Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, has resolved that if a solution is not found for the problem of low child allowances, Shas will join the opposition and support the dissolving of the Knesset and new elections.
The threat may not be as potent as it once was, since it is a matter of general consent that the Olmert government's days are numbered in any event. Even top Kadima party Cabinet Minister Chaim Ramon has said that new elections are likely to be held in November.
Rabbi Yosef Not Impressed
Finance Minister Roni Bar-On arrived at Rabbi Yosef's home in Har Nof, Jerusalem on Monday and presented him with a list of economic benefits that the Olmert government has conferred upon the underprivileged classes. Rabbi Yosef was unimpressed, saying that the child allowances must be returned.
At present, a family with four children under the age of 18 receives a monthly allowance of 823 shekels, and is scheduled to receive slightly more than 600 shekels next year - compared with approximately 1,300 shekels five years ago.
Bar-On categorically told the new "Calcalist" economic weekly that "there will be no increase to the child allowances. We won't allow a regression from years of economic policies that have proven themselves." He suggested, instead, that education for ages 3 and 4 be paid for by the government in lower-class communities, at a cost of 102 million shekels; that technological education in the Ministry of Education be enhanced to the tune of 56 million shekels; that afternoon daycare be subsidized or covered for 10,000 children of working women (50 million shekels); and other similar benefits.
Shas has been threatening for months to leave the coalition because of the negotiations over Jerusalem. In mid-February, Shas leader and Industry and Trade Minister Eli Yishai said Shas would leave if negotiations with the PA over the future of Jerusalem begin. Within a short time, he changed the threat to "if negotiations over Jerusalem continue." Despite statements by senior PA negotiators, and even by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, that talks for the division of Jerusalem were well underway and had made significant progress, Shas has refused to budge from its government chairs.
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