​(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Advisor)
 
At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday, 22 May 2016):
 
1. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks:
 
"From the outset, when we formed the government, I said that it was my intention to expand the government. Sixty-one is better than 59, but a government that is as broad as possible is the best thing for the State of Israel. We are in the midst of moves to expand the government. I think that a broader coalition will help us meet the many challenges facing us and also take advantage of the opportunities.
 
I would like to make it clear that a broad government will continue to strive for a diplomatic process with the Palestinians and we will do so with the assistance of elements in the region. I personally deal with this a lot, in many places, and I intend to continue to do so.
 
Today, the government will approve the amended gas outline. The new agreement incorporates the comments that we received from the Supreme Court. The important thing now is not to delay, to advance toward bringing the gas that brings with it tremendous new resources for Israel's people – in social welfare, education, health and – in effect – in every aspect of life. I think that this is a very important – even historic – step for the Israeli economy, especially the people and we will use this gift that nature has granted us for the benefit of the state and its citizens.
 
This achievement, first of all, is yours, Yuval. As Energy Minister, you worked diligently, creatively and without respite. I very much appreciate this and I think that the citizens of Israel need to appreciate your contribution.
 
I would like to point out that many people were involved here who provided support and acted, and I think that their work was vital. I will point out two, but this is not to say that there were not many others. One is Avi Licht and his creative and very successful legal assistance and the second is the director general of my ministry, Eli Groner. I would like to thank both of you and everyone who helped you.
 
I would like to congratulate Hapoel Be'er Sheva for its great achievement, winning the national football championship after 40 years. I think that many things are taking place in the Negev and in Be'er Sheva in particular. It is quickly becoming the cyber capital of Israel and now it is the football capital as well. I think that we can congratulate them on behalf of all of the state's people."
 
2. Pursuant to Article 23 of the 1959 State Service Law (Appointments) and its 29 September 2002 decision, the Cabinet decided to approve the appointment of Avi Licht to an eight-year term as Deputy Attorney General (Administration and Special Projects) at the Justice Ministry, effective today.
 
3. In light of the challenges facing Israel in the present circumstances and pursuant to Article 23 of the 1959 State Service Law (Appointments), the Cabinet decided to appoint Dani Dayan to a three-year term (which may be extended by an additional year) as Consul General in New York. The foregoing is instead of his appointment as Ambassador to Brazil.
 
4. The Cabinet discussed and approved an amendment to the outline to increase natural gas production at the Tamar field and to rapidly develop the Leviathan, Karish and Tanin fields.
 
5. The Cabinet discussed and approved setting a mechanism for replacing members of the Civil Service Commission and for appointing a public representative to the Commission.
 
6. The Cabinet discussed and approved the establishment of an institutional basis for measuring the economic efficacy of programs under the authority of the Economy and industry Ministry.