MK Rabbi Avrohom Ravitz the chairman of the Finance
Committee, is a central figure in the entire budget affair.
He delayed the approval of the budget for a long time in
order to pressure the Knesset into approving the Religious
Council's Law.
Rabbi Ravitz, the State has been running for a full month
without a budget. What is preventing the budget from being
approved?
"In order to pass a budget, a majority is necessary and, as
is known, the coalition is limited in its number of members,
so that all of its members have to approve it. Last month,
UTJ also had a hand in delaying the budget -- not for
financial reason, but due to our linking the approval of the
Religious Councils Law to the budget. We manage our financial
matters without threats. However other parties do the same
thing for other reasons close to their hearts.
To what extent do the MK's of other parties make
demands?"
"I haven't measured this. But the Yisrael b'Aliya party, for
example, is interested in building 5000 dwelling units at a
cost of a billion shekels. I heard this. Regarding the
demands of other MKs, I don't know what amounts are being
asked for.
On what issues do MKs pose ultimatums?
"Settlements, bypass roads, legal arrangements for the
radio's Channel Seven, as well as financial demands from the
Mafdal, which knows how to ask. I don't know what they ask,
because I don't take an interest in that. I don't want to
involve myself in the demands of others. I don't want to be
on the side of the government and its head. I know the
demands of UTJ and focus on them.
In what area does UTJ make ultimatums, besides the
Religious Councils Law?
We stipulated that if the Religious Councils Law wasn't
passed, I would not pass the budget in the Finance Committee.
Everyone who is familiar with the educational world, knows
that most of the demands pertain to it. I sincerely hope that
our situation will improve and exceed last year's. We are
trying to advance. I am not certain that we will be able to
get what we think we deserve. But we've at least made a step
forward.
Was damage caused by the delay in the approval of the
budget?
"Damage was certainly done. If the State wants to return to
economic growth, it must sign various budgetary activity
contracts. As long as there isn't a budget, it can't sign
long term contracts. Budgetary licenses must be on the basis
of the budget of '98. Therefore there is damage."
