Interior minister threatens to quit government

Eli Yishai says recommendations for housing permits, tax ease on earthquake renovations, and housing units must be approved.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Eli Yishai 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Eli Yishai 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Interior Minister Eli Yishai said Sunday that he would quit the government if his recommendations for the real estate market are not implemented.
In an interview with Israel Radio, Yishai said that he has advanced abbreviated approval procedures in order to get building permits for contractors to begin construction of a number of new housing units, including small apartments.
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The interior minister added that he wants to advance a proposal that would grant those seeking to make their homes earthquake-safe an exemption from the relevant building and construction fees.
Yishai commented that young couples should have an easier time buying an apartment, and that the current situation is unacceptable.
Even if 100,000 to 200,000 homes were immediately built, Yishai continued, prices will not drop in the near future, but an increase in prices may level out.