'4th year in power is no small achievement'
Ahead of fourth year, prime minister details government's achievements; notes Iran still No.1 threat, says Israel's economy doing well
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a special press conference Tuesday, summing up his government's three year in power.
"We're embarking on a fourth year, which isn’t common. Governments don’t usually make it this far so it's no small achievement," he told reporters gathered in the Government Press Office in Jerusalem.
While speaking, the prime minister drew a tree.
"Israel is like this tree," he said. "Afte three years, I can say that this tree is remarkably stable and it is growing and bearing fruit."
Netanyahu told reporters that Israel is "facing four major threats: Nuclear Iran, rockets, cyber and borders. We have to be vigilant about our borders, but any of these can pose a major threat to Israel."
The prime minister stressed that the international community must exert pressure in Iran: "Anyone who cannot operate in the international arena can't lead Israel. We can 'check this box' not because the issue has been resolved, but because we are systematically operating to increase these pressures," he said.
Netanyahu also reviewed his government's successes in stabilizing Israel's economy, noting that "We made it happen in a responsible manner.
"These are not popular policies and we had to make some tough decisions, but Israel's economy is captained responsibly, while encouraging competiveness and resolving social issues."
Netanyahu noted that despite the global credit crunch and recession, Israel has noted a 4.7% growth and has gained an AA credit rating.
Netanyahu, who was elected on March 31, 2009, is gearing for the next election, set for 2013. He recently announced that he will not push to move the elections up, saying he was "in no hurry."
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