Cabinet Communique
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday, 2 August 2015):

1. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks:

"We recently witnessed two abhorrent crimes. Our policy toward these crimes
is zero tolerance. I have instructed security and law-enforcement officials
to use all legal means at their disposal to apprehend the murderers and deal
with the stabber and the arsonists to the fullest extent of the law. We are
determined to vigorously fight manifestations of hate, fanaticism and
terrorism from whatever side. The fight against these phenomena unites us
all. This is not a struggle by this or that faction. This is a matter of
basic humanity and is at the foundation of our enlightened Jewish values.

I remember as a child, when I would visit on Shabbat the home of my father's
great teacher, Professor Joseph Klausner, among the Jewish People's greatest
historians in the modern era, over his door were etched two words: 'Judaism'
and 'humanity'. They are combined and are mutually supportive. This is what
distinguishes us from our neighbors. We deplore and condemn these murderers.
We will pursue them to the end. They name public squares after the murderers
of children. This distinction cannot be blurred or covered up. It is
important to say this even as we utter our condemnations and unite against
the criminals among our people."

2. The Cabinet took its leave from outgoing National Economic Council
Chairman Prof. Eugene Kandel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "Eugene Kandel has made an exceptional
contribution in fashioning the economic policy of the state. It is very easy
to implement an erroneous policy that would be liable to harm the national
economy. It is much more difficult to have an economic policy that brings
achievements and growth. Therefore, the achievements of the economic policy
that we led in recent years, with the help and guidance of Eugene and his
staff are even more significant. Eugene has made a genuine contribution in
formulating economic policy and I thank him for it. We did not actually
accomplish everything we set out to. For example, we have not freed
ourselves of the dependence on oil for transportation. But Eugene succeeded
in outlining a clear policy that the government has followed. It is
difficult to set a clear line and follow it over time but Eugene succeeded
in doing so, quietly and with an abiding inner conviction. I am certain that
all ministers will attest to the great assistance has given them."

3. The Cabinet took its leave of the outgoing head of the National
Information Directorate, Liran Dan, who is currently finishing his term.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "Liran has served her four years. He arrived
as an untiring energizer full of new ideas. He worked with exemplary
coordination with the other government spokespersons, including the IDF
Spokesperson, the Foreign Ministry and other agencies. Liran had a very
important part in leading the public diplomacy of the State of Israel in a
difficult period. In cooperation with other elements, Liran led the
country's media struggle, mostly under considerable pressure. Liran always
kept his cool and was focused on the goal – leading the fight for truth and
instilling complex messages. Making things simpler is an intellectual task
and met this mission."

4. Pursuant to Article 12 of the 1959 State Service Law (Appointments), the
Cabinet appointed Eliezer Yablon as Director General of the Ministry of
Social Affairs and Social Services.

5. The Cabinet decided to appoint Avigdor Yitzhaki as chairman of the
housing directorate.

6. The Cabinet discussed assistance to the tourism industry.

7. Bank of Israel Governor Dr. Karnit Flug briefed ministers on budgetary
and deficit issues.