At the Israel Business Conference on December 5 of this
year, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon spoke and discussed his
goals in several important areas. Since Sharon is
extraordinarily close-mouthed for an Israeli prime minister,
this speech represents a relatively rare glimpse of his
plans. Therefore we are reproducing excerpts of it for the
benefit of our readers.
We have set a number of clear goals for progress for the
Israeli economy: an average annual growth of 4 percent-5
percent in the coming decade, a reduction of unemployment to
a standard level, an increase in the participation in the
workforce to a level customary in western countries, and a
reduction of social gaps.
These goals are achievable, if we can only take advantage of
the great national opportunity facing us today, once we have
extricated ourselves from the economic and security
crisis.
. . .
Our political plan, the Roadmap, is the only plan which
enables us to utilize this opportunity. This is the way to
achieve calm, political progress and ultimately a process
toward stable peace between two nation states, a Jewish
nation state and a Palestinian nation state, living side by
side with respect, and in tranquility and peace.
We must not give in to the illusions of the radical left, as
though we can forfeit our demand of the Palestinians to cease
and fight terrorism, and wait for terrorism to disappear on
its own. At the same time, we must not be caught in the
illusions of the radical right, as though we can avoid
painful concessions and keep everything in our hands. It will
not work.
Neither excessive activity nor complete passiveness can save
us. Only responsible, firm and determined progress will lead
us to true peace.
. . .
Last week, the government approved the National Contour Plan,
following ten years of deliberations. It is a 15-year plan,
which enables positive development and preserves a balance
between the various interests.
We have approved comprehensive infrastructure plans for the
next fivr years. The new road and interchange plan, at a
scope of 19 billion NIS, is underway. Additionally, a long-
term plan for the development of the Israel Railways is
already in operation, at a similar scope of 20 billion NIS.
Investment in transportation infrastructure is necessary to
close the gaps between the center and the periphery.
We have formulated a new investment plan for the Negev, at an
unprecedented scope of NIS 17 billion in the coming decade.
Furthermore, we are currently working, in conjunction with
the Manufacturers Association of Israel, to transfer 60
factories to the Negev. Each Negev resident will sense the
implications of these investments with regard to
infrastructures, employment, education, service and
recreational centers. I have already asked Shimon Peres, who
spearheaded this plan, to prepare a similar plan for the
Galilee, and we will invest the necessary resources in this
one as well.
. . .
Simultaneously with the investment, which will bring real
growth during the coming decade, we must make certain that
the fruits of growth will reach every citizen in the country.
We must not forget the weaker ones among us, those who have
been most affected, because when times are hard, it is the
weaker ones who suffer more.
We had to make cutbacks, and despite our constant efforts and
actions to minimize the damage, many people were adversely
affected. Now, with the renewal of growth, we can give more.
From these fruits of growth we succeeded this year in adding
the largest supplement ever to the health basket, and a
substantial amount for senior citizens in income guarantee.
However, our most important step was the nourishment
enterprise for school children. Each day, 200,000 children
receive a hot meal in the framework of this project. Now it
is our intention — my intention during the next year
— to increase this project to 400,000 children. There
is no reason for children in Israel to be hungry. There is no
reason for it, and it will not happen!
We must give more to those who cannot work, those who, with a
little help, can be raised above the poverty line and live in
dignity. The elderly, the disabled, single-parent families,
children at risk, new immigrants. I am pleased that everyone
remembers them now. It is unfortunate that we have been
prevented from approving the budget for 2006, including the
plan which we intend to introduce, with clear designated
budgets for the weaker sectors.
