Speaking with Channel 2 on Monday, 3 Shevat 5773, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu acknowledged the incoming administration will face serious economic challenges. He stated that he will do his best not to raise taxes, hinting that he does not plan to acquiesce to chareidi parties’ demands as he signaled cuts are unavoidable. The daily HaMevaser points out that chareidi parties have stated they will not enter a coalition that cuts from the lower income sectors, and the statements made by the prime minister during this interview were undoubtedly a subliminal message to the chareidim, that they can forget about being part of a coalition that does not cut government spending.
Regarding the issue of not raising taxes, Mr. Netanyahu addressed the government deficit, but remains confident that natural gas revenues and the possibility of an economic revival on the global scene may permit handling economic affairs without a tax increase. Labor leader Shelly Yacimovich warns voters that one cannot have a doubt, and it is clear to her that Mr. Netanyahu does indeed plan to increase taxes after elections.
When asked about progressing on the PA (Palestinian Authority) track, the prime minister explained that he is willing to make peace with anyone “Who does not embrace Hamas” and does not praise those who fire missiles into Israel.
The daily Maariv however says that following the elections, Mr. Netanyahu will “redefine his natural coalition partners”, which many interpret as a message that the chareidim are out while the secular parties will form the next coalition.
The statements made by the prime minister are in line with Yahadut Hatorah fears, as party officials continue calling on everyone in the chareidi tzibur to “get out and vote” for they feel they will need a minimum of seven seats in the 19th Knesset to be in a position of influence. The polls however paint a different picture, one that points to 5-6 seats.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
If you line up the parties based on economics (not security, not religion, no social policies) you get a different view of things.
Labor and the Hareidim are on the far left (favor social spending regardless of ability to pay for it)
The parties closest to Likud at Livni and Lapid.
The Hareidi parties “deal” has always been to give the government a blank check on other issues in return for patronage (which is expensive) and de facto autonomy (which includes exemption from conscription). Likud is not committed to conscription of Hareidim and following conservative economic policies, so he’ll have nothing to offer the Hareidi parties in return for support.