In a Wednesday morning 19 Shevat 5773 press conference, outgoing Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Stanley Fischer dispelled rumors that his decision to leave in June 2013 is due to a falling out with the prime minister. Fischer stated his reasons for leaving are strictly personal, quickly adding that he remains confident that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will keep the economy on a good track, as the two did working side-by-side in recent years.

Mr. Fischer added that he has worked with many international monetary bodies during his career, and the professionals in Israel’s Finance Ministry stand out with the best of them, showering them with praise for their efforts to keep the nation’s economy healthy and vibrant.

Fischer declined to speculate as to who will be appointed to replace him.

Speaking with Israel Radio later in the day, Likud Minister Silvan Shalom explained he is an economist by profession, and with coming right out and saying it, signaled he would like to see himself appointed finance minister in the incoming coalition government.

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)