11 in favor 2 against: The Temporary Finance Committee today (Monday) approved the recommendation of the organizing committee to appoint MK Moshe Gafni as chairman of the committee.
Chairman of the organizing committee, MK Yoav Kish: "The truth is that on a personal level I am very excited to be here. I am happy for two reasons: One, I really like Rabbi Gafni and I was a member of his committees for many years. He did an excellent job and I am sure that will be the case in the 25th Knesset as well.
""I can tell you that in the previous term, there was also a committee chairman here who tried to work, but was confronted by a finance minister with a clear agenda to harm a certain sector. I hope that in the next government this will change completely. I want to tell the opposition members that if you vote against, this is a precedent that has not happened before, in my opinion a bad precedent.".
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MKs Vladimir Belyak and Michal Shir of Mish Atid did not respond to his request and voted against.
Finance Committee Chairman, MK Moshe Gafni, said after the vote: "I pray to God to guide me on the path of truth, especially in these difficult days. I accept the burden of committee chairmanship, as someone who represents everyone, and I thank everyone for their support.".
""I heard that the Governor of the Bank of Israel intends to raise interest rates in the economy, which means that mortgage holders will pay more money. I intend to hold an extensive discussion on the matter as soon as possible, as well as on the issue of raising milk prices, and the large amount of transfers and surpluses that have been concentrated on the committee's table.".
He emphasized: "There will be no Minister of Finance who will tell me not to hold discussions on critical social issues that belong to everyone. Everyone should know that here in the committee this is a different place from other places, here we work together, opposition and coalition, and do only what is best for the citizens of the State of Israel.".
United Torah Judaism Chairman, MK Yitzhak Goldknopf: "I congratulate my dear friend MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni on his appointment as Chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee. Rabbi Gafni is known for his rich experience, his great professionalism, and his concern for all of Israeli society. I wish him great success in his position, and God willing, we will work together for the benefit of the residents of the State of Israel.".
MK Uri Maklev congratulated Gafni: "I have accompanied Rabbi Gafni for many years together, you have broken many records, you have served with the highest income since the establishment of the state, many of the residents here were not yet born when you were already appointed as a member of the committee here.
""Your mission is not only the position but also maintaining the status of the Finance Committee, which will continue to be the supervisory body. You have very wisely stopped processes against the public. Indeed, today the Finance Committee represents both the citizen and the public and social bodies. You did it wisely.".
Maklev added: "There is a lot to learn from you. Beyond your skills and experience, you bring all the voices to the committee. Your continued tenure is a natural thing. You are not excited but rather renewed. Every day with you on the committee is like a new day, like a hungry person who comes to the Knesset.".
