13-08-03 Israel: Haaretz daily - Unprofessional conduct by Netanyahu in re appointment of Bank of Israel Governor is damaging Isrrael's economy

Following the early resignation of Governor of Bank of Israel Stanley Fischer, prior to the end of his term, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Treasury Minister Lapid are facing difficulties filling that critical position, at a time that the Israeli economy is facing unprecedented difficulties.

* First nominee, Jacob Frenkel withdrew his nomination, after a shoplifting incident in Hong Kong airport was discovered, which was not discovered during the search process, and which Frenkel did not report honestly.
* Second nominee, Leo Leiderman withdrew his nomination, apparently after a sex harassment incident was discovered, which was related to his departure from his Deutsche Bank position. Again, the issue was not discovered during the search process, and was not honestly reported by Leiderman.

Reports in Haaretz daily in Hebrew (could not find it in the English online edition).

Minister of Treasury Yair Lapid and Prime Miniter Netanyahu.

* Lapid is quoted as saying: "Economics professors are a colorful,wild band." [1]
* Haaretz claims that the difficulties in identifying a nominee originate in Netanyahu's desire to find a credible economist, who would support his economic vision for the Israeli economy. Netanyahu has followed the US economic policies, which led to doubling of the number of the pooer, sharp increase in homelessness, and unaffordability of housing in Israel over the past decade. [2]

Haaretz concludes that:
* The search process has been conducted in an unprofessional manner (Hebrew used a slang term, which is closer to "half assed job".) [3]
* Conduct of Netanyahu and Lapid in this matter will cost the Israeli economy dearly.

LINKS:
[1] http://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politi/1.2087878
[2] http://www.themarker.com/news/1.2087812
[3] http://www.haaretz.co.il/1.2087861