source: Ynet
I have no problem with that, and I would also have no problem with the office's remaining in Tel Aviv. Truth is, I don't really care much either way. Government offices don't need to be located in the capital city, but the capital city is definitely worthy of hosting any and every government ministry's offices.
That being said, I do think such a move is worthy, especially because the capital city in question is our Jerusalem. The move should not be criticized as a "nationalist", i.e. unworthy, decision. If we want the United States and other countries to recognize Jerusalem as our capital, to put "Jerusalem, Israel" on our passports, to move their embassies to Jerusalem, then we might do the same with our own offices. When we treat our capital city as our capital city, maybe eventually others will as well.
------------------------------------------------------
Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel
------------------------------------------------------
There was apparently a law passed that requires all HQs to move to Jerusalem and the State Comptroller who published a scathing report a few years ago that the government was not carrying out the policy. Minister Regev is merely carrying out the government decision.
ReplyDeleteI heard a very interesting interview with a former state comptroller in which he explained clearly that the SC office merely checks if the law is being abholded, i.e. the government is carrying out its policies. It is not verifying if anything is right or wrong, or supposed to be a political office. When asked if the SC was anti-religious, he stated that there is a large minority of religious employees including Haredim, and reiterated that they only review the execution of laws and do not have any jurisdiction to discriminate.