Netanyahu orders delay in government office layoffs

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Civil Service Commissioner Shmuel Hollander to delay the dismissal of some 150-200 government employees.

"The issue of manpower will be considered and investigated after the Passover holiday," he said Saturday evening.

Netanyahu's directive relates to director-generals, aides, drivers and secretaries who were hired by former ministers without issuing a tender. Each minister usually employs between four and six associates upon entering his or her respected office.

In any case, these employees are granted a one-month "adjustment period," during which they receive salaries from the State.

Netanyahu, who is also the interim health minister, announced that he would not lay off employees who were hired by former Health Minister Yacov Ben Yizri.