PM vows to give rescue forces 'huge sums'
Netanyahu in giving mood after shaming comments at memorial ceremony for Carmel blaze victims, but later Ynet learns huge chunk of sum promised depends on reform. Yishai: Plan endangers lives
Speaking at a ceremony in honor of a new fast lane stretching from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Netanyahu said, "I plan to transfer huge sums to the establishment of an emergency, rescue, and firefighting force."
According to a Ynet investigation, however, more than $42 million promised by Netanyahu rely on the reform planned for the firefighting services.
Interior Minister Eli Yishai said Thursday he was opposed to this, explaining that relying upon the reform to purchase equipment for firefighters would "endanger lives".
The funds promised to firefighters are intended for the purchase of necessary equipment, including planes. But Yishai says the plan for rehabilitating firefighting services is insufficient.
In a letter to the government, he explains that the purchase of equipment should not depend on the reform. He adds that this is also the viewpoint of State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss, who investigated the Carmel fire disaster.
On Sunday the Prime Minister's Office drafted a decision to transfer $240 million to rescue services following the inefficient response to the fire that broke out in the Carmel forest last month.
But the victims' families did not appear satisfied with this decision. At an official memorial service held at Beit Oren Wednesday they attacked the prime minister during his speech.
"Liar. There are victims. Go home", were the calls that came from the audience. The event continued only after Interior Minister Eli Yishai was forced to leave the ceremony. He was escorted to a side room shamefacedly, and the service continued.
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