The passing of a 2009 state budget remains a top priority for Binyamin Netanyahu, who on Tuesday appointed a 100 Day Committee to begin formulating plans for the administration once it takes office. Among the items leading the agenda is seeking approval and passage of the state budget explains Likud MK Dr. Yuval Shteinitz, who heads the 100 Day Committee.

Netanyahu on Tuesday met with Finance Minister Roni Bar-On, who briefed the incoming prime minister on the difficulties facing the nation from a fiscal point of view. Bar-On pointed out it is also relevant as the incoming administration works to form a coalition, explaining Netanyahu must know what funds are available in response to the coalition demands.

Channel 10 TV News reported on Tuesday night that Netanyahu offered Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Stanley Fischer to become the next finance minister but he declined the offer.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)