Klein: No communication between treasury, central bank

Bank of Israel governor David Klein said today "There is a total lack of communication between the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Israel. The treasury has not included me in any discussions of the package deal."

"In that situation," Klein said, "I am not a partner in debate on the deficit target or discussions of new taxes."

"As is well known, Bank of Israel opposes the imposition of taxes as part of the national fiscal tightening plan that will involve a new economic plan including cuts in government spending," Klein stated.

Concerning changes in the Bank of Israel Law, Klein said, "There is no contact between the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Israel, despite the fact that in the ministerial committee for legislation that discussed the matter, Minister of Justice Meir Sheetrit instructed the sides to negotiate to bridge their differences and even presented his own plan for doing so".