State Control Committee: Fire inquiry our duty
Ahead of vote on Carmel disaster commission of inquiry, Knesset committee members tour affected areas. 'Prime minister must put aside political interests,' says MK Hasson. MK Akunis: What we need is for comptroller's report to be implemented
With the shadow of Tuesday's vote over the establishment of a national commission of inquiry into the Carmel disaster hovering, the Knesset State Control Committee met on Sunday in Tirat Carmel for a special meeting. During the day the committee members are expected to visit the areas hit or evacuated due to the fires.
Committee Chairman MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce the establishment of a inquiry committee himself by Tuesday – and only then would the issue be taken off the Knesset's agenda. "This is a national necessity and our duty", said Hasson.
During the Tirat Carmel meeting the control committee members heard of the difficulties encountered by the local council and the management and evacuation of the first night of the fire from Mayor Arieh Tal.
MK Hasson explained the need for a national commission of inquiry that would examine the failings and neglects that were witnessed during the Carmel fires. "This goal behind this decision is to save lives. The prime minister has to come to his senses and put aside his political interests for the interests of saving lives."
Hasson expects Netanyahu to bring forward a proposal for the establishment of an inquiry committee by Tuesday, and if he does, Hasson will take the issue off the Knesset's agenda. "If he doesn't, the Knesset will be forced to move ahead with the committee proposal instead," said Hasson.
Meanwhile MK Ofir Akunis (Likud) called on Committee Chairman Hasson not to set ultimatums for the prime minister. 'What we need now is not inquiry committees, those affected by the disaster need the comptroller's report to be implemented," Akunis said.
"We need to oversee all the decisions made by the government in the last week and make sure that they are implemented within the next few weeks and months. This isn't the time for arguments; it's the time for action," Akunis added.
During the Tirat Carmel meeting, the firemen stated that the evacuation of 11,000 residents was successful, but only because of improvisation on their part – enlisting the aid of firemen from throughout Israel to aid in the evacuation and firefighting efforts. It was through those measures that the fire was restrained before it reached the Tirat Carmel houses.
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