Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman pushed back on Tuesday against criticism over his opposition to government compensation for businesses hurt by the latest COVID-19 outbreak.
In an interview with Cannes News, Lieberman said rising infections and some restrictions over the past few weeks were not enough to seriously damage businesses.
“I don’t think it’s possible to reach a state of existential risk and collapse within 20 days,” Lieberman said, referring to the latest wave.
He insisted the economy was “as good as we could have dreamed of” in 2021.
“There is no doubt that people and businesses are getting hurt, my heart is with them, but overall our economy is still in good shape,” Lieberman said.
“We will not spare anyone, but there will be no money.”
Lieberman also issued a new call to repeal “green passes,” which limit entry to certain places and activities for people with a vaccination certificate or test negative.
“It does not correspond to reality. People are ready to take responsibility for everything imposed on them, be it masks or vaccines,” he said.
The coronavirus ward of the Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem on January 20, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
Omicron has caused a spate of infections in Israel in recent weeks, forcing the government to re-examine its pandemic policies, but Lieberman has staunchly opposed payments to businesses.
Some business sectors, such as the tourism and entertainment industries, have been particularly hard hit during the pandemic, including in recent weeks. The large number of Israelis in quarantine has also disrupted commerce.
report by OECD And the Dun & Bradstreet analyst group recently said Israel’s economy has made a strong comeback, is outperforming the global average, and will likely continue to do well.
Earlier this month, Lieberman rebuked a trade union seeking government compensation for huge losses due to COVID-19 policies, dismiss complaints As unfounded and a warning that there will be no major rescue package.
Finance Ministry earlier this month Compensation plan approved For workers who are forced into quarantine.
