Citizens for Normative Government and Social and Legal Justice (Ometz) have requested the State Comptroller, Justice Micha Lindenstrauss, render an opinion on the Bank of Israel's (B.O.I.) intent to give bonuses and raises to approximately half of its staff, during so tough a period in Israel's marketplace.

In a letter to the comptroller, Attorney for Ometz Galia Givol wrote: "According to media announcements, in this time period during which there are massive layoffs and pay cuts, the Bank of Israel intends to award bonuses for excellence in the amounts of 5,000 – 30,000 shekels. Further, the Bank intends in the coming months to raise the salaries of approximately half its employees.

"The Ometz movement opines that despite the criticism that your office directed at the Bank of Israel in this matter and the negative resonance of the Bank's pay raises in the past, it would seem that heads of the Bank of Israel are ignoring the major sensitivities that exist in the State, and setting a negative example for other public concerns in the nation's market.

"We would thank you if you would consider the possibilities of the Comptroller's Office rendering its opinion on this matter, and not merely from the standpoint of personal example."