Hirschson told participants at the Caesarea Conference Wednesday that his family has received threats from “certain elements,” but emphasized he would not be cowed by them. He did not elaborate on the identity of the threats, nor on who stood behind them.
Hirschson told economists and public officials attending the 14th annual conference that he believes the harassment is connected to the reforms he is implementing, which he said were “essential for Israel’s economy.”
There were also hints from “knowledgeable sources,” according to Globes business news website, that the threats were related to the “Open Skies” policy he instituted in his former role as Tourism Minister. “Open Skies” refers to his plan to expand tourism and create more jobs by opening the Tel Aviv-New York air route to competition by granting Israir a license to fly the route, which has been a traditional breadwinner for the now-private El Al. El Al denied any connection with the story.
Former Finance Minister Avraham Shochat called on Hirschson to reveal who threatened him. A Channel One television news report alleged that in fact there were no threats, and that Hirschson merely reported to the Attorney-General on "pressures" being exerted upon him by journalistic sources. Just a few days ago, Israel's largest newspaper Yediot Acharonot reported on a series of illegal activities that Hirschson allegedly carried out.
“I am being followed and [they] are trying to harm me and my family in order to derail economic reforms,” Hirschson told the audience. He said he hopes “this insanity will end immediately” and vowed not to let the pressure get to him.
“Even if the threats and pressure escalate, I will continue to do what is right for the Israeli economy,” he said, adding that his efforts have indeed been successful so far.
“All indications show that the Israeli economy is moving along in the right direction,” he said. “The economy is growing at a yearly rate of more than 5%,” a higher growth rate, he said, than that of most advanced countries.
Hirschson was also optimistic about the issue of unemployment. He reported that more Israelis are looking for jobs these days, but also that they are finding them. Unemployment rose to 8.9% in April 2006, with some 243,000 Israelis out of work. In the first quarter of this year, the total number of jobless grew by 0.2%.
Hirschson praised the economy in general, and said Israel was “going through an especially good period.” The growth was generated by a rise in the number of consumers buying products in the marketplace, he said, adding, “If we act responsibly there is no reason this won’t continue for some time.”
On a less positive note, Hirschson also noted that the growth is not being felt by all sectors. "The Israeli society is developing, but is not healthy. We cannot remain unmoved when sections of society are not taking part in the fruits of that development. I want to create a developing economy and a healthy society," he said.
Hirschson added that he would invest in long-term education reform and work toward lowering public transportation prices as a way of further improving the economic forecast.
Hirschson told economists and public officials attending the 14th annual conference that he believes the harassment is connected to the reforms he is implementing, which he said were “essential for Israel’s economy.”
There were also hints from “knowledgeable sources,” according to Globes business news website, that the threats were related to the “Open Skies” policy he instituted in his former role as Tourism Minister. “Open Skies” refers to his plan to expand tourism and create more jobs by opening the Tel Aviv-New York air route to competition by granting Israir a license to fly the route, which has been a traditional breadwinner for the now-private El Al. El Al denied any connection with the story.
Former Finance Minister Avraham Shochat called on Hirschson to reveal who threatened him. A Channel One television news report alleged that in fact there were no threats, and that Hirschson merely reported to the Attorney-General on "pressures" being exerted upon him by journalistic sources. Just a few days ago, Israel's largest newspaper Yediot Acharonot reported on a series of illegal activities that Hirschson allegedly carried out.
“I am being followed and [they] are trying to harm me and my family in order to derail economic reforms,” Hirschson told the audience. He said he hopes “this insanity will end immediately” and vowed not to let the pressure get to him.
“Even if the threats and pressure escalate, I will continue to do what is right for the Israeli economy,” he said, adding that his efforts have indeed been successful so far.
“All indications show that the Israeli economy is moving along in the right direction,” he said. “The economy is growing at a yearly rate of more than 5%,” a higher growth rate, he said, than that of most advanced countries.
Hirschson was also optimistic about the issue of unemployment. He reported that more Israelis are looking for jobs these days, but also that they are finding them. Unemployment rose to 8.9% in April 2006, with some 243,000 Israelis out of work. In the first quarter of this year, the total number of jobless grew by 0.2%.
Hirschson praised the economy in general, and said Israel was “going through an especially good period.” The growth was generated by a rise in the number of consumers buying products in the marketplace, he said, adding, “If we act responsibly there is no reason this won’t continue for some time.”
On a less positive note, Hirschson also noted that the growth is not being felt by all sectors. "The Israeli society is developing, but is not healthy. We cannot remain unmoved when sections of society are not taking part in the fruits of that development. I want to create a developing economy and a healthy society," he said.
Hirschson added that he would invest in long-term education reform and work toward lowering public transportation prices as a way of further improving the economic forecast.