The candidates seeking to become Israel’s next president when President Shimon Peres steps down in July are picking up the pace of their campaign. One of the candidates includes MK (The Movement) Meir Sheetrit, a former Likud politician who migrated to Kadima and then his current home, The Movement [with a number of interim stops].

Sheetrit spoke to Kol Berama Radio, explaining the matter of getting 10 signatures from MKs to become eligible to run is not an issue for him.

Sheetrit:

I have 40 years of public service beginning with my election as head of Yavne municipality. I have the most experience in many areas. I was also a senior Jewish Agency for Israel executive for many years and held an array of cabinet posts.

Kol Berama:

Rivlin and Ben-Eliezer show to be ahead in the polls

Sheetrit:

I spoke with most MKs and I do not agree with your assessment. I do not feel any of the candidates have anyone in their pocket.

Kol Berama:

Will you be running to the end? What if the prime minister offers you an ambassador post? Are you in touch with all parties?

Sheetrit:

I am running until the end. I am not interested in becoming an ambassador. I could have had this a long time ago.

I am in touch with all the parties including the chareidim and from my perspective; they are and have always been welcome to join the coalition.

Kol Berama:

What do you feel about the new Zero VAT bill?

Sheetrit:

I proposed this in the last government pertaining to apartments up to 1.5 million shekels. To my sorrow the bill was shot down twice. There is no justification for charging value added tax on these apartments. The young couples can barely afford an apartment without the VAT. Interestingly, the chareidim opposed the bill in the last Knesset as well.

I believe that Minister Ariel should be leading such initiatives, not the treasury. He is the housing minister and he should spearhead projects to lower the cost of apartments with the support of the treasury but the treasury is leading in this case. I am opposed to the law which discriminates against some populations, which was not the case with my law.

There are thousands of families with children that are approved to receive public housing but it does not help them since there is no construction. I am calling on the cabinet to build 3,000-5,000 government apartments annually.

Kol Berama:

Excuse me but you too are in the coalition.

Sheetrit:

Correct and I am saying it now and will continue shouting as in the past. The minister however has to be receptive. It is not enough to lower the VAT. 3,000 to 5,000 government apartments must be built annually, apartments that will remain public housing to serve the young couples in particular.

Avi Rosen, a political analyst affiliated with the Shas party’s Yom L’Yom newspaper adds “Sheetrit is dreaming”. He explains Sheetrit’s name is not even under consideration among the chareidi parties. They told him “we act in line with the instructions of our rabbonim”, politely informing him that he is not being considered. He has never been viewed as one who is relied upon to assist the chareidi tzibur.

Sheetrit is serving in Knesset since 1981. His cabinet posts include Minister of Finance, Justice, Finance, Transportation, Education, Housing and Internal Affairs.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)