(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday, 12 January 2014):

1. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks following a minute of silence in memory of the late former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:

"We take leave from Ariel Sharon, the 11th Prime Minister of the State of Israel. Arik was, first and foremost, a warrior and a commander, among the Jewish people's greatest generals in the current era and throughout its history. He was dedicated to the security of the state from his youth, as a young fighter in the War of Independence, and afterwards as a commander in the 1956 Sinai operation, in the Six Day War and in the decisive battle – during the Yom Kippur War, in leading the IDF across the Suez Canal, which, for all intents and purposes, led to a successful conclusion of a war that began under very difficult conditions for the State of Israel.

He established Unit #101 and set two primary foundations for Israel's struggle against terrorism, initiative and retaliation, which stand to this day. He also continued this action as Defense Minister, in distancing terrorism from our northern border.

In all of his positions – Defense Minister, Housing Minister, Infrastructures Minister and Foreign Minister – Arik contributed to the State of Israel, as he also did as Prime Minister. I think that he represents the generation of Jewish warriors that arose for our people upon the resumption of our independence.

He was tied to the land; he knew that it had to be defended. He understood that above everything, our revival is our ability to defend ourselves by ourselves.

I believe that he will be remembered in the heart of the Jewish people forever as one of our most outstanding leaders and most daring commanders."

2. Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat, who also chairs the Ministerial Committee on Symbols and Ceremonies, briefed the Cabinet on the Committee's decision regarding funeral arrangements for the late former Prime Minister Sharon.

3. Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mandelblit and Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber briefed the Cabinet on progress in closing the gaps vis-à-vis labor laws between those who work in Judea and Samaria and those who work in the State of Israel by means of security legislation.

4. The Cabinet discussed advancing the parallel importing of food products.

5. The Cabinet discussed a plan for the development of agriculture on the Golan Heights.

6. Ministers discussed the work and contributions of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon especially in regard to the security of the State of Israel and in building up the country.