PM recaps cabinet's triumphs ahead of New Year

Netanyahu lists Shalit deal, tax benefits among government's achievements this past Jewish year; fails to mention unemployment, violence

Omri Efraim|Published: 09.09.12 , 13:03

With the Jewish year coming to an end, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose Sunday's government meeting to recap his cabinet's achievements of the past twelve months.

"This past year has been laden with activity, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ministers," Netanyahu said on the occasion of the last meeting before the Rosh Hashana holiday.

Adopting the style of a popular children's song about the Jewish months, the prime minister recited the accomplishments as follows:

"In Tishrei (we closed) the deal to return Gilad Shalit. In Heshvan we inaugurated a medical school in Safed. In Kislev we approved the plan to deal with infiltrators. In Tevet the tax benefits took effect.

"In Shevat we approved the construction of a railway to Eilat. In Adar I travelled to the AIPAC convention to speak out against Iran. In Nisan the Bank of Israel determined that the Israeli economy is growing despite the global financial crisis. In Iyar the cellular phone reform (took effect).

"In Sivan we expanded free dental coverage. In Tammuz we launched the international campaign (to promote) Israeli innovation in the environmental protection field. In Av we completed the bulk of the security fence in the south. In Elul the free academic year (began.)"

No mention of unemployment, violence

Netanyahu noted that there are other achievements that he did not list. "We protected the economy from collapse, and I'm sure that next year we will continue to show results," he added.

He did not to address the data on unemployment, the cost of living or the upsurge in violence.

The prime minister also mentioned during the meeting that he has spoken with Noam Gershony, the Israeli wheelchair tennis player who won gold at the Paralympics on Saturday.

"He is the essence of the Israeli image and story," he said. " His personal story is powerful. He was injured in a battle for the State of Israel, and won a medal on behalf of the State of Israel. I salute Noam Gershony."