During the Knesset debate surrounding the appointment of Ze’ev Elkin as Minister of Jerusalem Affairs MK Uri Maklev explained the need and importance of this office.

Maklev feels that amid criticism that some of the ministries are a waste of money and resources, this is not so regarding Jerusalem Affairs, calling upon his fellow lawmakers to abandon the issue of the person involved and focus on the relevance and importance of the office.

He rhetorically questions why Jerusalem City Hall is uninterested in seeking Elkin appointed – why the mayor of the capital is not pleased to see a cabinet minister is responsible to deal with his city. “There is no minister for Tel Aviv, Haifa or Beersheva” he pointed out, adding “every city would love to have a cabinet minister looking out for its needs”.

Maklev explains that Mayor Barkat currently has total control over budgets for special projects in the capital and with the ministry operating, this will not be the case as there will be national government involvement. Therefore Maklev believes the ministry must begin operating immediately.

Maklev concluded that those shouting the new ministry is unnecessary and a waste are “incorrect and hypocritical”, explaining the budget for one sporting program that is controversial far exceeds the operational budget of this ministry.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)