"I wish to thank you for bearing the entire burden at the height of the crisis. We knew that you intended to resign before the new government was elected, but you agreed to the finance minister's request to stay on. It wasn’t easy to be both the director general and the budget director. I thank you and admit, I was not surprised because I know you, and people are tested in battle, and this was a battle under crossfire. We put you in the heart of the machine, and you held it. The finance minister was right - this was the combination of features of character and nobility," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to outgoing Ministry of Finance director general Yarom Ariav at today's cabinet meeting.
Ariav will leave the ministry on November 1.
Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz said, "I'm emotional at our separation. The prime minister used the phrase nobility and he is right. I had the honor to meet one of the best people in public service, both in terms of character and professionalism. Yarom did superb work, and contributed much to the system. Honesty, integrity, professionalism, and wisdom characterize you. You were my right-hand-man: loyal and dedicated, and everything with a pleasant demeanor. The entire government thanks you for all the years."
Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, who fought bitter battles with the Ministry of Finance, did not spare his praise for Ariav. "It is usually impossible to be both a professional and a human being. We enjoyed both top-tier professionalism and top-tier humanity."
Ariav replaced Dr. Yossi Bachar as director general of the Ministry of Finance in November 2006. Ariav served under four finance ministers: Avraham Hirchson, who appointed him, Ehud Olmert (in April-July 2007, after Hirchson resigned after an investigation was opened against him for corruption), Ronnie Bar-On, and Steinitz.
Former NICE Systems CEO Haim Shani will replace Ariav.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 25, 2009
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009