Somewhat out of character, Finance Minister (Likud) Dr. Yuval Shteinitz has come out with a sharp attack against the nation’s High Court of Justice.

Addressing the Globe’s Business Conference in Tel Aviv on Monday, Shteinitz praised various government agencies, including the Histadrut National Labor Federation, for exhibiting fiscal responsibility during these difficult times. He stated that the actions of the labor federation and others, including the national government, are contributory factors to Israel’s success in emerging from the fiscal crisis as well as the nation has. He added however that one senior government agency has failed to meet the challenge, pointing a finger at the High Court of Justice, for issuing irresponsible rulings that are extremely costly.

One such example that he cited was the court’s ruling on capital gains tax, which prevented an additional income for the government of NIS 2 billion annually.

He explained that while the treasury analysis all expenditures prior to approving them, the Supreme Court and lower courts do not do the same, resulting in a serious blow to the state budget at times.

Other rulings that he mentioned included fortification for southern structures (NIS 400 million) and the Nanny Law, permitting daycare costs to be calculated as a tax deduction, estimating ‘the damage’ at NIS 2-6 billion.

The minister emphasized his respect for the court and its justices, but maintains such “irresponsible” rulings mustn’t continue for they have a profound negative impact on the budgetary situation.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)