Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at a press conference Tuesday, 1 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, announced the appointment of Prof. Amir Yaron to the post of Governor of the Bank of Israel. He surprised journalists when he agreed to answer questions in any field: “You always want a press conference. You can ask all the questions, I do not limit you to the issues, call your offices and let them hand you the embarrassing questions”.

On the possibility that the elections will take place soon, Netanyahu said that the issue of early elections is not related to his investigations. We are making an effort to solve the recruitment problem, and other issues – and this effort will continue. If we find a way, we’ll be happy to continue until the end of the year. If not, we will have to go to elections.”

The chareidi parties in Knesset are signaling Mr. Netanyahu has decided he prefers early elections, with election polls giving him an incentive as the party’s popularity continues on the upward momentum. The Moetzas Gedolei Torah of Agudas Yisrael is scheduled to convene on Sunday, 5 Marcheshvan, to discuss the draft bill, amid a realization the draft bill poses a major challenge to the chareidim, but the admorim are also aware if the matter is adjudicated by the High Court, the outcome may be disastrous for the chareidim.

The Prime Minister responded to a questioned from Chadashot News, that he might ask for immunity if indicted. “I do not think I will need to ask for immunity because I believe that no indictment will be filed against me.”

The Prime Minister referred to the murderous terror attack in Barkan: “I do not think it will take long before we catch this cruel bastard, who bound the woman’s hands and shot her. It is hard to describe the brutality and cruelty of this murder.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, he said: “We act from time to time with great force, and because of our actions, there is caution on the Palestinian side, and I think that they too understand that the outbreak of conflict will exact a very large price from the Palestinian side. I’m not eager to start unnecessary wars. If there is no choice – sometimes you fight with all your might; But when there is a choice and there are other considerations, decrees and challenges – I think that the way that I am taking and backed by the cabinet is the right way.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)