Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening made the following remarks at
the first meeting of Israel's
33rd Government:
"This is the third time that I have had the honor of opening a meeting of a
new government. I must tell you that I am moved. This is not self-evident.
Nothing here is self-evident and we all bear the great responsibility, the
responsibility and the privilege.
Of all the three times that I have had this privilege of leading the State of
Israel, I cannot remember a more challenging period vis-à-vis the accumulated
risks on one hand and the opportunities on the other, and of course, the
expectations of Israel's citizens. I think that it is within our power to meet
all of these challenges, without exception.
Today, we are opening the Government table and we are also cleaning it. We
are putting aside disagreements and are working together. There are excellent,
qualified, experienced and invigorating people here and the only way we can
succeed is by cooperating. I am certain that we will do so. Cooperation and
unity. I very much encourage discussion around this table.
I encourage people – as it will become clear to the newcomers – to speak
their minds. I think that by hearing all sides we will, in the end, make correct
and balanced decisions. The citizens of Israel expect us to work together and
achieve results. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation up to now,
and from now on. I would like to wish Israeli citizens a Happy Passover, and our
Christian citizens a Happy Easter.
I am honored to open this meeting of the Government."
The Government unanimously approved an amendment to the 2009-2012 State Budget Law according to which the maximum time for approving the 2013 state budget will be 135 days from the day the 33rd Government took office.
The Government also unanimously approved the draft Chief Rabbinate Law (Emergency Ordinance), to the effect that the tenure of the current chief rabbis, which is due to end on 24 March 2013, will be extended by four months or until the election of new chief rabbis, whichever comes first.