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    <title>Israel Ministry of Finance Press Releases</title>
    <description>Latest Press Releases</description>
    <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Pages/en/PressReleases/PressReleases.aspx</link>
    <language>en-US</language>


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      <title>
        The Committee to Examine Competitiveness in the Food and Consumer Goods Market Submits Its Recommendations to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120129.doc</link>
      <pubDate>08/02/2012</pubDate>
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      <title>
        Six Groups Have Passed the Prequalification Stage in the Tender for Execution of the Cross Israel Northern Highway (Sections 3 and 7)
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120201_3.doc</link>
      <pubDate>07/02/2012</pubDate>
    </item>


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      <title>
        Highlights of the Presentation of the Commissioner of Financial, Savings and Insurance Markets, Prof. Oded Sarig, at the 12th Annual Herzliya Conference
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120201_2.doc</link>
      <pubDate>06/02/2012</pubDate>
    </item>



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      <title>
        Ministry of Finance Acting Director General Talks at the 12th Annual Herzliya Conference
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120201.doc</link>
      <pubDate>06/02/2012</pubDate>
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      <title>
        The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Issue a Request for Information (RFI) to International Corporations for the Promotion of Research and Development in Israel's Life Sciences Industry
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120123_5.doc</link>
      <pubDate>25/01/2012</pubDate>
    </item>



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      <title>
        The Ministry of Finance Completes a 10.5-Year Overseas Bond Issue for a Total of $1.5 Billion at a Yield of 4.115%
      </title>
      <description>
        Lowest-Ever Pricing Achieved by the State of Israel in Issues of Dollar Bonds
      </description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120123_4.doc</link>
      <pubDate>25/01/2012</pubDate>
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      <title>
        Minister of Finance Presented to the Knesset Finance Committee a Review of 2011 and Forecast for 2012
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120124.doc</link>
      <pubDate>24/01/2012</pubDate>
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      <title>
        The Accountant General in the Ministry of Finance Announced
        on January 23rd the Government's Intention to Issue 10-Year Dollar Bonds in the Global Markets
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120123_3.doc</link>
      <pubDate>23/01/2012</pubDate>
    </item>


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      <title>
        First EU - Israel Economic Dialogue
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120123_2.doc</link>
      <pubDate>23/01/2012</pubDate>
    </item>
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      <title>
        European Union Delegation is visiting the Ministry of Finance
      </title>
      <description>Against the backdrop of the Euro Zone crisis and the challenges faced by the Israeli economy, and within the framework of a regular economic dialogue foreseen in the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a delegation from the European Union is visiting the Ministry of Finance in Jerusalem</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120123.doc</link>
      <pubDate>23/01/2012</pubDate>
    </item>


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      <title>
        Minister of Finance Signs Orders Giving Effect to Conventions for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Georgia and Denmark
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120104.doc</link>
      <pubDate>04/01/2012</pubDate>
    </item>


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      <title>
        Minister of Finance Signs Orders Giving Effect to Conventions for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Georgia and Denmark
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20120101.doc</link>
      <pubDate>01/01/2012</pubDate>
    </item>
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      <title>
        The Ministry of Finance and the Dead Sea Works Come to an Agreement: The Company Will Shoulder More than NIS 5 Billion (Capitalized) in Costs until the End of the Concession Period
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111228.doc</link>
    </item>

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    <title>
        Minister of Finance and Governor of the Bank of Israel Appoint a Team to Examine how to Increase Competitiveness in the Banking Industry
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111214.doc</link>
    </item>
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      <title>
        OECD Delegation Presents its Report on Israel's Economy to the Minister of Finance and to the Governor of the Bank of Israel
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111212.doc</link>
    </item>
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      <title>
        Financing Agreement Signed to Build Ashdod Desalination Plant. The plant will produce 100 million cubic meters of water annually
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111208.doc</link>
    </item>
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      <title>
        Agreement Signed by the Ministry of Finance to Expand the Financial Protocol with Vietnam to 250 Million Dollars [23/11/11] In light of the strong demand for Israeli products in Vietnam, it was decided to increase credit lines to East Asia.
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111205.doc</link>
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      <title>
        The Minister of Finance Signs Regulations for Bringing Forward
        the Collection with Respect to the Levy on Oil Profits
      </title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111120.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title> Communication at the Speed of Light – Expanding the Bandwidth: The Government and IEC Launch the Process to Select an Investor for the Fiber-Optics Venture</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20111023.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title> The recommendations of the Trajtenberg Committee were submitted today to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110927.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Committee on Increasing Competitiveness in the Economy has Submitted its Interim Recommendations to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Governor</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110925.pdf</link>
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      <title>Budget Performance and State Revenues from Taxes:January-August 2011</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110918.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title> Four Groups Submit Bids in Tender for the Construction of the Photovoltaic Power Plant in Ashalim</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110915.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Government Companies Authority Publishes 2010 Report</title>
      <description>Increase of approximately NIS 3 billion recorded in revenues in comparison with 2009</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110824.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Twelve bodies move up from the PQ stage in the tender for the sale of the Eilat Port Company Ltd.</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110815.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Tax Treaties Signed between Israel and Malta and initialed with Panama</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110810.pdf</link>
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      <title>Minister of Finance and Minister of National Infrastructures sign agreement with Mekorot for the construction of a desalination plant in the City of Ashdod</title>
      <description>On completion of the Ashdod plant, desalination plants will supply around 75% of the domestic water consumption.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110808.pdf</link>
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      <title>After Only Seven Months: Investment Commitments for More than NIS 400 Million Received from Institutional Bodies in Israel under the Joint Program of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor to Encourage Institutional Investments in the High-Tech Industry</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110803.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Minister of Finance will soon Issue an Order Clarifying Iran’s Status as an Enemy Country and will Work to Implement the Economic Sanctions against Iran</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110725.pdf</link>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:51:38 +0200</pubDate>
      <title>Ministry of Finance Bill for Promoting Competition in the Credit Card Market Approved Today</title>
      <description>The bill is expected to reduce the payments transferred by business owners to the credit card companies and to lower consumer product prices</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110718.pdf</link>
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      <title>USD 400 Million Raised by the Accountant General in a Private Placement to One of the World's Largest Asian Investors</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110705.pdf</link>
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      <title>Desalination Plants to Submit Proposals for Increasing the Quantity of Desalinated Water</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110307.pdf</link>
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      <title>Government Debt in Q1 2011 amounts to NIS 612.5 Billion</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110531.pdf</link>
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      <title>Fitch Ratings Supports Israel's Economic Policy, Leaving the Country's A Stable Rating Unchanged</title>
      <description>Minister of Finance, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "This is a ringing endorsement for the State of Israel and testimony to the strength of its economy and the success of the government's counter-crisis economic policy."</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110527.pdf</link>
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      <title>One of the Biggest Desalination Plants of its Kind to be Built in Sorek</title>
      <description>On Completion of the Plant, the Desalinated Water Will Constitute over 65% of Israel’s Domestic Water Consumption.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110523.pdf</link>
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      <title>One of the Biggest Desalination Plants of its Kind to be Built in Sorek</title>
      <description>On Completion of the Plant, the Desalinated Water Will Constitute over 65% of Israel’s Domestic Water Consumption</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110523.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Accountant General has Published the Financial Statements of the Government of Israel for 2010</title>
      <description>For the first time, all units in all branches of the Government have been consolidated in the financial statements, including the National Insurance Institute and government business entities (GBE’s) controlled by the State for purposes of financial reporting. The Government's financial deficit for 2010 amounted to NIS 130 billion compared to a budget deficit of NIS 30 billion.</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110501.pdf</link>
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      <title>Moody's International Credit Rating Agency Releases Its Annual Credit Report on Israel, Leaving the Country's A1-Stable Rating Unchanged</title>
      <description>Further Significant Support for the Israeli Government's Economic Policy. Minister of Finance, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "The positive report issued by the rating agency is further confirmation of the success of the government's economic policy in weathering the global economic crisis."</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110426.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Tender for Monitoring NTA-Metropolitan Mass Transit System Red Line LRT/Metro project in Israel</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110413.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Signed Agreement with OrbiMed International to Set-up $200 million Biotech Fund</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110406.pdf</link>
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      <title>Privatization of the Eilat Port is Underway</title>
      <description>The Government Companies Authority Issued a Public Announcement for the Sale of the State's Holdings in the Eilat Port Company. Minister of Finance, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "The privatization of the Eilat port will increase exports and imports through Israel's southern gateway and strengthen the city of Eilat."</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110404.pdf</link>
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      <title>Ministry of Finance Launches NIS 2.75 Billion Aid Plan for Exporters</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110330a.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Knesset Approved the 'Sheshinski Committee' Recommendations on the Fiscal Policy on Oil and Gas Resources in Israel</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110330.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Government has Approved the Proposal by the Minister of Finance to Establish a Governmental CIO</title>
      <description>Steinitz: “For the First Time, a Central Headquarters Unit will be Established to Concentrate all the Government’s Computerized Work”</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110327.pdf</link>
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      <title>Accountant General Raises $124M for 1 Year through Private Offering to Thai Investors</title>
      <description>Borrowing costs are 0.56% below yield on government bonds for equivalent period</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110315.pdf</link>
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      <title>Barclays Capital is to Establish a Research and Development Center in Israel to Support the Investment Bank's Global Operations</title>
      <description>The new center, employing around 200 Israelis, will be set up in the framework of the government's incentive plan for the establishment of technological R&amp;D centers of multinational financial corporations in Israel</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110314.pdf</link>
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      <title>Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Launch Dedicated Plan to Strengthen Commercial Ties with India and China</title>
      <description>State of Israel to invest NIS 100 million in aid to Israeli companies operating in the markets of India and China</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110307.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Preliminary Screening Stage Has Been Announced in the BOT Tender for Planning, Financing the Construction, Operating and Maintaining the Northern Parts of the Trans-Israel Highway</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110301.pdf</link>
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      <title>Reduction of Government Debt as Percentage of GDP: the Ratio of Government Debt to GDP at the End of 2010 Amounted to 75%</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110206.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor Introduce a New Way of Strengthening Ties between Academia and Industry</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110131.pdf</link>
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      <title>Minister of Finance to Act to Cancel Foreign Investors' Tax Exemption on Gains from Investing in Short-Term Loans and Government Bonds</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110127.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The State of Israel Sold 5% of Bank Leumi's Shares to UBS Investment Bank for NIS 1.3 Billion</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110119.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Budget Performance and State Tax Revenues – 2010 Summary</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110113.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Biennial Budget for 2011-2012 was Approved by the Knesset with a Majority of 63 Votes</title>
      <description>The Budget for 2011-2012 Emphasizes the Strengthening of Growth Engines and Employment, Reducing Social Disparities, and Strengthening Education and the Periphery</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101230.pdf</link>
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      <title>Program Launched to Encourage Investment in Israel's High-Tech Industries by Institutional Entities</title>
      <description>In the program to be operated by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor and the Ministry of Finance starting today, the state will participate in the risks of institutional entities’ investments in venture-capital funds specializing in Israel’s knowledge-intensive industries.</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110102.pdf</link>
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      <title>Changes in Legislation for the Comparative Advantage Program were Approved by the Finance Committee</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101922.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor and Ministry of Finance Expand Aid for Activity in Peripheral Regions and for Chief Scientist</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101912.pdf</link>
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      <title>Additional Measures to Cool Real-Estate Market</title>
      <description>Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz and Minister of Construction and Housing Mr. Ariel Atias Presented several additional Measures today, designed to help Increase the Supply of Homes and Temper the Rising Prices in the Residential Real-Estate Market</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101612.pdf</link>
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      <title>Government Resolves on Budget for Tel Aviv Light Rail Project</title>
      <description>NTA (Urban Transport Lines) to serve as the state’s operational arm in the construction of the Red Line</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101212.pdf</link>
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      <title>Ministry of Finance: Initial Estimate Pegs Carmel Mountain Fire Damages at NIS 100-120 Million</title>
      <description>Early estimates: 50%-60% of the damages are covered by insurance companies</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101209.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Ministerial Committee on Legislation has approved a Bill aimed at Increasing Competition in the Credit Card Market, intended mainly to benefit Small Business Owners</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101206a.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>Minister of Finance: “The privatization of Eilat port will increase exports and imports through Israel's southern gateway and strengthen the city of Eilat”</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101206.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>ollowing the fire and the Ministry of Finance management’s tour of the disaster area, the Ministry of Finance has issued an update to the public on several matters</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101205.pdf</link>
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      <title>List of Criteria for Testing Fitness and Propriety by Supervisory Bodies</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101208.pdf</link>
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      <title>The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Today Submitted the Concluding Statement of the Mission to Israel prior to the Submission of its 2010 Annual Report on Israel's Economy</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101129.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Interministerial Committee for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Headed by the Director General of the Ministry of Finance will Submit its Main Recommendations to the Cabinet</title>
      <description>The committee recommends that the state of Israel invest NIS 2.2 billion in the coming decade to promote the environment and the economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101125.pdf</link>
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      <title>The 90 Day Team Presented the Minister of Finance and the Minister of National Infrastructures with its Main Conclusions</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101122.pdf</link>
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      <title>Minister of Finance’s Address at the Press Conference Before Submission of the Draft Conclusions by the Committee to Examine the Policy on Oil and Gas Resources in Israel, Headed by Prof. Eytan Sheshinski</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101110a.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>The Committee for Improving and Streamlining the Process of Doing Business in Israel Met with Senior Managers in the Business Sector</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101110.pdf</link>
    </item>
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      <title>New Wage Agreement: Public Sector Employees to Receive a 6.25% Pay Rise over 3.5 Years</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100211.pdf</link>
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      <title>The State of Israel Sells Its Remaining Stake in Israel Discount Bank to Citigroup for NIS 832 Million</title>
      <description>Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz: ''At the beginning of the year I announced that the Ministry of Finance intended to sell the remaining government shares in the banks by the end of year, and today we have completed a major part of this process.''</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101026.pdf</link>
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      <title>Minister of Finance Steinitz: ''The State Budget for 2011-2012 is an Innovative Product with Socio-economic Tidings and a Change in Priorities''</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101025.pdf</link>
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      <title>A Meeting of the U.S.-Israel Joint Economic Development Group (JEDG) was Held at the Ministry of Finance in Jerusalem</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101021.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Ministries of Finance and Health Have Published Rules for the Management and Commercialization of Intellectual Property in the Health System and in Government Hospitals</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101019b.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Ministry of Finance is Increasing the Transparency of the State Budget in Cooperation with Transparency International</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101019a.pdf</link>
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      <title>TODAY MINISTER OF FINANCE STEINITZ SUBMITTED THE 2011-2012 STATE BUDGET TO THE KNESSET</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101019.pdf</link>
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      <title>Ministry of Finance Launches Next Generation of Self-Service Kiosks at Government Ministries</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101018.pdf</link>
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    <item>
      <title>The English Website of the Ministry of Finance has been upgraded</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101014.pdf</link>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Finance Minister Steinitz Met with Nobel Prize Winning Economist Prof. Stiglitz to Discuss How Israel has Coped with the Economic Crisis and its Resource Tax Policy</title>
      <description>Nobel Prize winner Prof. Joseph Stiglitz praised the way the Israeli economy has dealt with the crisis and said that Israel should continue to focus on long-term plans. In the meeting, Stiglitz stressed the importance of the work of the Sheshinski committee and said that resource tax policy should be updated</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101005a.pdf</link>
    </item>    
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz will leave tonight for the US at the head of an Israeli delegation for the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund in Washington</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101005.pdf</link>
    </item>    
    <item>
      <title>The minister of finance and the minister of industry, trade and labor have informed Intel of their agreement to approve a NIS 678 million grant for the company, to be spread over eight years, in return for an investment of NIS 10 billion from 2011 to 2018</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20101004.pdf</link>
    </item>    
    <item>
      <title>Order Signed by Finance Minister Enables the Granting of Assistance to the Needy for the Purchase of Digital Adapters</title>
      <description>Consideration is being given to the possibility of enabling the reception of additional channels through the digital adapter beyond the five free channels</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100825.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Call to the Public to Provide Information on the Plan for Encouraging Israeli Institutional Bodies to Invest in the High-Tech Industry</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100822a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Order Signed by Finance Minister Enables the Granting of Assistance to the Needy for the Purchase of Digital Adapters</title>
      <description>Consideration is being given to the possibility of enabling the reception of additional channels through the digital adapter beyond the five free channels</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100825.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Cabinet Approved Israel’s Membership in the OECD</title>
      <description>The agreement for Israel to join the OECD, which includes Israel’s commitment to the rules and decisions of the organization, was approved. Prior to conclusion of the process for joining the OECD, the Ministry of Finance is publishing a book in Hebrew, detailing the spheres of activity in Israel that will be affected by its membership in the organization</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100822.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Six-Year Plan for the Higher Education System</title>
      <description>The plan includes a budget increase of NIS 7.5 billion for the higher education system.  At its core: emphasis on excellence in research and in the quality of education, integration of 2,000 new faculty members in universities and colleges, establishment of 30 research excellence centers, significant increase in the budgets for competitive research, and more</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100818b.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ahead of the approaching holidays, thousands of Holocaust survivors will receive increased compensation at a total cost of NIS 52 million</title>
      <description>The benefit for each survivor will be an amount between NIS 750 and NIS 1,300. Minister of Finance: ''Increasing the compensation before the holidays will help Holocaust survivors deal with the heavy burden of expenses during the holiday season''</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100818a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tender for the Construction of a Photovoltaic Power Station with a Capacity of 30 MW Published Today by the Interministerial Tender Committee for the Construction of Solar Power Stations at the Ashalim Site</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100818.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Budget Performance and State Revenues from Taxes for July 2010</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100803a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Presents Bill to Promote Competition in the Credit-Card Industry, Aimed Primarily at Improving Bargaining Power of Small Business Owners Outside Central Israel</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100728.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The State of Israel sold 8.33% of the shares of Discount Bank to the Swiss investment bank UBS for NIS 552 million</title>
      <description>Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz: “I am pleased to see the confidence expressed by the foreign banks in the Israeli economy in general and in Israeli banking in particular”</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100727.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New tax treaty concluded with Austria</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100714.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Minister of Finance has presented the government with the highlights of the budget for 2011-2012 and the principles of the economic policy</title>
      <description>
        The policy will focus on strengthening higher education, promoting
        high-tech industries, developing infrastructures and expanding the job
        market. The budget for 2011-2012 will increase by an annual 2.66% to stand,
        respectively, at NIS 264.7 billion and NIS 271.7 billion
      </description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100627a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz, supported the request of Minister of Environmental Protection Gilad Erdan to amend the Land Fill Levy Order while promoting the Packaging Waste Law</title>
      <description>The goal of the new policy promoted by the Ministries of Finance and Environmental Protection is to reduce the negative impact of burying waste that pollutes the ground, water and air</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100608a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Ministry of Finance Announced Today the Expansion of Assistance to "Small Exporters" in Export Credit Insurance</title>
      <description>The arrangement, which is to go into effect next month, will also allow "small exporters" to receive export credit insurance from private insurers</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100627.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor have formulated a Comprehensive Program for Promoting High Tech Industries</title>
      <description>The ''Comparative Advantage'' Program was presented by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Yuval Steinitz, at the Conference of the High Tech Industry Association (HTIA, formerly IVC). The minister noted : ''We can be ambitious and announce that we want to see the establishment of an ‘Israeli Nokia’ in the near future''</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100608.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Knesset has approved through a significant majority the Minister of Finance's suggested bill for the implementation of a second biennial budget for the years 2011-2012</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100623.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IMF Managing Director Praises Israels Biennial Budgeting Process</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100613.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The State of Israel Joins the OECD Today</title>
      <description>Minister of Finance, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: Israel's accession to the OECD brings great respect to the Israeli economy. Our accession was possible due to a responsible and balanced economic policy</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100510.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Budget Performance and State Revenue from Taxes for April 2010</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100503b.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Visits China and Hong Kong</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100503.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Another Step Towards the Establishment of Life Sciences Investment Funds</title>
      <description>The  four  groups  that  passed the initial sorting stage to establish life sciences investment funds will begin fundraising. If all of the four funds are to be established, then at least $ 400 million would flow into the Bio-Tech market.</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100428.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Commented on Unemployment Data for February</title>
      <description>The figures prove that the government's 'Containment and Breakthrough' program, enacted over a year ago, has helped the Israeli economy to withstand the global economic crisis better than most of the developed world</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100422.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accountant General Raised $200 Million for 2 Years through Issuing Debt to an Asian Sovereign Wealth Fund</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100421.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accountant General Publishes Debt Management 2009 Report</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100415.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Israel Signed a New Tax Agreement with Belgium</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100412a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Social Economic Cabinet Authorized Governmental Water Company 'Mekorot' a 110 $ Million Infrastructure Project in Trinidad</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100412.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Higher Education System Budgeting Agreement for 2009-2010 Academic Year Signed: Increased to NIS 6.9 Billion</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100204.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Finance Minister Closed Trading on the NYSE Yesterday Evening in a Celebration Held to Mark the Start of Trading in Israeli Sovereign Bonds on the Exchange</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100203a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NIS 177 Million Joint Government-Private Sector Fund to Invest in Minority-Operated Businesses</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100203.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Government Publishes Debt and Government Bond Market Data for 2009</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100201.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Minister and Accountant-General to Sign Agreement for Listing Israel Government Bonds on the New York Stock Exchange</title>
      <description>The Finance Minister: “Listing for trading on the New York Stock Exchange will make Israel Government bonds accessible to all investors and dealers, including private investors. The listing will enhance the economic status of Israel and Israeli companies in world markets”</description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100131.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Minister to Visit the U.S and Canada</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100128.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tender Issued for Increasing Energy Efficiency (Electricity Saving) in Seven Government Ministries</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100124.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Agreement Signed for 150 Million Cubic Meter a Year Desalination Project – Likely to be the Largest of its Type in the World</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100118.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State of Israel Sells 5% of Discount Bank Equity to Deutsche Bank</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100112.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Minister Meets with Canada’s President of the Treasury Board, Mr. Vic Toews</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20100110.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Minister to Cut VAT by Half a Percent at the Beginning of 2010</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091230.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The US-Israel Joint Economic Development Group Holds Semiannual Meeting: Minister Steinitz Stresses Importance of HiTech Cooperation</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091215.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The SDL Group Wins Tender for Construction of Desalination Plant in Soreq: Terms of Deal Save Israeli Economy Over NIS 1.3 Billion</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091214a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IMF Publishes Concluding Statement on Israel in 2009</title>
      <description>Finance Minister Says Many Challenges Ahead for 2010 Including Reducing Unemployment</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091214.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>141.1m EURO EIB Loan will Finance Water Projects in Israel</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091201a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IMF Delegation Meets with Finance Minister Steinitz as part of its Annual Visit to Israel</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091201.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Industrial Development Bank Privatization a Success</title>
      <description>B.G.I. Investments Ltd. to buy the bank for NIS 572 million</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091123.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Committee Approves Proposal to Amend Income Tax Ordinance, Banning the Deduction of Illicit Payments</title>
      <description>The Proposed Legislation will further Harmonize Israel's Tax Regulations with OECD Standards</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091115.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Ministry and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Issue Tender for Establishment and Management of Investment Funds in the Area of Life Sciences</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091110.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Israel Maintains Fitch's Credit Rating - Remains at A with Stable Outlook</title>
      <description>Fitch joins S&amp;P and Moody’s, which recently re-affirmed the country’s rating; Fitch expects Israel to be among the only 4 A-rated countries to exit the recession as early as 2009.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091106.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Steinitz Announces the Scheduled Visit to Israel of the OECD Secretary-General in January 2010 Prior to the Completion of the Accession Process</title>
      <description>The Socio-Economic Cabinet Headed by the Finance Minister Discussed Today the Process of Israel’s Accession to the OECD</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091103a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Socio-Economic Cabinet Authorizes Mekorot to Desalinate Water in Cyprus</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091103.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Israel and France to Establish Working Teams for Increasing Economic and Trade Cooperation</title>
      <description>Finance  Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz met yesterday with the French Minister of  Trade,  Anne  Marie  Idrac.  The  two ministers reviewed the government action  that  had  been taken in each of their countries in response to the global  economic  recession,  and discussed ways of increasing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091021.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz Meets with US Central Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091015.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Minister's Proposal Approved – New Tax Benefits will be Granted to Investors in Israeli Movies</title>
      <description>Steinitz: “Israeli cinema is making a substantial contribution to the development of Hebrew culture and the life of Israeli society. It is important to encourage the quality movie industry by means of taxation as well”</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20091014.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>International Rating Agency Moody's Maintains Israel's A1 Credit Rating with Stable Outlook. Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "The credit-rating agency supports Israel's economy and the government's  economic and fiscal policies". Accountant-General Shuky Oren: "The report constitutes further evidence of the resilience of the Israeli economy"</title>
      <description>
        Moody's, The international credit-rating agency, published its annual
        report on Israel's credit rating today. The rating remains at A1 with
        Stable outlook. This refers to Israel's long-term foreign-currency credit
        rating, the key rating assigned by the agency. The report was issued
        following the agency's representatives' annual visit to Israel about two
        months ago, during which they met with the Minister of Finance, Bank of
        Israel Governor, and other key figures in the public sector as well as in
        the business sector.
      </description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090827.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Highlights of Economic Review Presented by Finance Minister and MOF Director - General at Government Meeting. Steinitz: "A significant part of the improvement trend stems from Israeli sources"</title>
      <description>The government today on the subject, "The Israeli Economy – Is this Really a Turning Point?" following the positive performance figures published in recent weeks. This marks the beginning of a new tradition, in which the Minister of Finance and senior MOF officials will present an economic review to the government each quarter.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090821.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State Credit Funds have Approved Over NIS 0.5 Billion in Loans</title>
      <description>Finance Minister Receives Accountant-General Report on Activity of State-Backed Credit Funds: State Credit Funds have Approved Over NIS 0.5  Billion in Loans. Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "This is another  step in implementing the economic plan. The government's unprecedented use  of state guarantees has contributed to curbing the impact of the crisis on the Israeli economy". Businesses and companies receiving loans from the funds employ a total of about 15,000 workers</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090819.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Israel Signs New Conventions for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Estonia and Georgia</title>
      <description>Israel recently signed a new tax treaty with Estonia. A new tax treaty between Israel and Georgia has also been initialed</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090803.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The United States Expresses its Faith in the Israeli Government’s Economic Policy at the JEDG Forum, The United States Approves the Framework of Guarantees to Israel</title>
      <description>The provision of the guarantees is conditioned on maintenance of the target deficit, target expenditure level and advancement of the economic reforms</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090630a.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Director of the Government Companies Authority, Dr. Udi Nissan, today published a circular pursuant to which: Government Companies Will be Asked, For the First Time, to Promote Environmental Issues Within the Context of their Activities</title>
      <description> The Companies will be required to submit, along with their financial statements, a strategic program including environmental aspects</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090630.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Minister of Finance Meets With a Delegation from the Moody’s Credit Rating Company</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090629.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Minister of Finance Meets With the French Minister of Finance in Paris</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090625.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A new Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between Germany and Israel has been initialed</title>
      <description>The Agreement includes significant tax relief for investments and business activities between the two countries</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090621.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In the context of the “Containment and Breakthrough” Plan - The Ministry of Finance will Provide Reinsurance for Israeli Exports Through Government Guarantees of NIS 4 Billion</title>
      <description>The Accountant General and the Foreign Trade Risk Insurance Company of the Harel Group have settled upon all details of the agreement</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090619.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>For the First Time: The Financial Statements of 50 Government Companies Will be Published on the Ministry of Finance Website</title>
      <description></description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090609.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guarantee Program Within the “Containment and Breakthrough” Framework Takes Off</title>
      <description>The Finance Committee Approves the Ministry of Finance Proposal to Provide State Guarantees of NIS 5 Billion as Assistance for Exporters</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090602.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Minister of Finance Decides on Tax Exemption for Foreign Investors in Private Equity Funds</title>
      <description>Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz has decided to exempt foreign investors from tax on profits derived from private-equity funds. This move, formulated due to the economic crisis and the implications of foreign investments for the economy, is designed to make the Israeli economy more attractive to foreign investors.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090526.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2009-2010 State Budget Approved in Israeli Government by Large Majority Today</title>
      <description>The government of Israel passed the budget proposal for 2009-2010 this morning, with 26 ministers voting in favor and four ministers voting against the proposal.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090513.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Government of Israel Approved the Expansion of the Budget for the Years 2009-2010, by 1.7% Each Year, and Established A Deficit Reduction Outline for the Years 2009-2014</title>
      <description>Accountant General: "The new leverage funds, along with the first leverage fund established in March, are an important additional tool with a volume of ILS 4.5 billion, creating critical mass for addressing the target companies"</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090510.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Government of Israel Approved the Expansion of the Budget for the Years 2009-2010, by 1.7% Each Year, and Established A Deficit Reduction Outline for the Years 2009-2014</title>
      <description> </description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090505.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Present Highlights of Containment and Breakthrough Plan</title>
      <description>Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz: "In 2011-2012 We Will Be Able to Resume the Growth Rates of Recent Years"</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090423.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Better Protection for the Public’s Savings</title>
      <description>The Capital Markets Division Presented Today the Measures that are Being Planned for 2009 in the Area of Pension Savings</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090324.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Success for the Ministry of Finance and Unprecedented Expression of Confidence in Israel's Economy</title>
      <description>Accountant-General Completes Overseas Offering of Ten-Year Bonds in Record Amount of USD 1.5 Billion, at 5.19% Yield</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090318.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tenders for Ashalim Thermo-Solar Power Stations Published</title>
      <description>The interministerial tender committee for the construction of solar power stations at the Ashalim site in the Negev region, headed by Senior Deputy Accountant General Avi Dor, has published two tenders for the construction, operation, maintenance, and transfer to the state of two thermo-solar power stations, for the production of up to 220 MW of electricity. The seven contending groups that passed the early screening stage were invited to participate in the bidding stage of each tender. Supplements to the tender documents, such as the franchise agreement, license, and agreement for sale to the Israel Electric Corporation, will be published later this month...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090312.pdf</link>
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      <title>Banks Sent in Bids Worth Over USD 1 Billion; Auction Closed at Interest Rate Lower than LIBOR</title>
      <description>The first foreign-currency deposit auction held this afternoon by the Accountant General drew high demand. All banks that are market makers submitted bids, at a volume of over USD 1 billion. The auction closed at an average interest rate of 2.08% (below the LIBOR rate), at an amount of USD 140 million. The deposit is for a period of one year. The Ministry of Finance plans to hold additional auctions in the near future....</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090310b.pdf</link>
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      <title>Leverage Tender Succeeds: Winning Group to Establish a NIS 2 Billion Fund</title>
      <description>The first tender for the establishment of a ''leverage fund'' was a success. The Bereshit Group, headed by Emmanuel Wasserman, Ran Grodetzky, and Tzuri Lavi, won the tender, which ended last Thursday, by raising the largest amount from institutional entities. The government has made a commitment to invest NIS 500 million in the fund, and the Bereshit Group was able to raise NIS 1.5 billion from the institutional entities. Thus, the first leverage fund will have over NIS 2 billion under management...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090310a.pdf</link>
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      <title>Accountant General Approved Insurance for Export Deals Worth USD 1 Billion through Ashra in Last Three Months</title>
      <description>Ashra is a company under full government ownership that insures Israeli exporters against default on payments by buyers who order transactions and services overseas, thus enabling the execution of Israeli export transactions using medium- and long-term credit. The deals are insured based on state guarantees that allow the company to offer insurance to manufacturers...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090310.pdf</link>
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      <title>The Return of the Scientists: Over 100 Researchers Previously Employed at Academic Institutions Overseas were Hired by Israeli Universities this Year</title>
      <description>Data of the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC) of the Council for Higher Education indicate that during the 2008-2009 academic year, research universities in Israel hired 104 ''returning scientists'' formerly employed by academic institutions around the world. These are professors and researchers who began their careers at higher-education institutions in Israel, and chose to leave the country for job offers from the world's leading institutions. All of the returning academics were hired for newly budgeted positions and assigned ranks based on their experience, from Lecturer to Full Professor...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090303.pdf</link>
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      <title>Measures Being Taken Regarding the Pension Savings Market Following the Global Crisis</title>
      <description>In recent months we have been witnessing the occurrence of an intense global economic crisis which has been affecting the economies worldwide. The combination of a financial crisis and the crisis in the real economy has led to sharp declines in the financial markets, a contraction in the supply of credit, increased levels of unemployment and a reduction in the wealth held by the public.  All these have been felt throughout the world and, inevitably, in Israel as well.</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090301.pdf</link>
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      <title>Finance Ministry Proposes Solution for Large Foreign-Currency Liquidity Balances in the Financial System: Financial Entities Will be Able to Deposit Foreign Currency with the Accountant General</title>
      <description>The Ministry of Finance has proposed an innovative solution to help the financial system contend with its high liquidity balances in foreign currency. Accountant General Shuky Oren plans to allow deposits of the domestic financial system's foreign-currency balances in designated deposits with the Accountant General. The deposits will be performed through several auctions held to set the interest rate generated by the deposits...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090215.pdf</link>
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      <title>Finance Ministry to Fund Cinema Industry at NIS 335 Million</title>
      <description>Yesterday, representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science, Culture, and Sports, and the Cinema Council signed an agreement concerning the cinema budget, under which the cinema industry will receive NIS 335 million in funding in 2009-2013, or NIS 67 million each year...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090205.pdf</link>
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      <title>Finance Ministry Provides Banking System with NIS 6 Billion in State Guarantees for Capital Raising</title>
      <description>Today, Accountant General Shuky Oren delivered the format of the state guarantee documents to be provided to the banking system, at a volume of NIS 6 billion. The state guarantees will be offered to the banks for issues of subordinated notes, which will be recognized by the Supervisor of Banks as upper secondary capital...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090205a.pdf</link>
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      <title>Economics Committee Approves Finance Minister's Regulations Restricting Conflicts of Interest in Managing the Public's Savings</title>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090204.pdf</link>
      <description>Today, the Knesset Economics Committee approved the regulations submitted by Minister of Finance Roni Bar-On concerning buying and selling of securities and buying of securities in specific offerings. The regulations approved today prevent institutional entities (provident funds, pension funds, and insurance companies) from conducting brokerage activities (buying and selling securities) through ''stock='' '' exchange='' '' members='' '' '' (stock exchange members carry out securities trading activity on behalf of the institutional entities) belonging to the same group. For example, a particular provident fund will not be permitted to buy securities through brokers belonging to its group or related to it through various types of ownership ties. The Economics Committee further approved regulations limiting the rate purchased out of offerings of groups of institutional entities related to the underwriters or distributors participating in these offerings...</description>
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      <title>Finance Ministry Offers Hundreds of Millions of Shekels in Aid to the High-Tech and Biotech Industries</title>
      <description>Today, Minister of Finance Roni Bar-On announced an aid plan for the high technology and biotechnology sectors, making hundreds of millions of shekels available to the Chief Scientist and for the establishment of a special biotech investment fund. The plan, formulated in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor, the Chief Scientist, and experts in high-tech investments, constitutes an additional element of the third stage of the Finance Ministry's acceleration plan...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090201.pdf</link>
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    <item>
      <title>The Social-Economic Cabinet Headed by Finance Minister Roni Bar-On Decided Today to Adopt a Guiding Objective of Producing 10% of Israel's Electricity Needs Based on Renewable Energy by 2020</title>
      <description>Today, the Social-Economic Cabinet headed by Minister of Finance Roni Bar-On established a guiding objective of producing electricity based on renewable energy at a volume of 10% of Israel's power needs by 2020, further to the resolution of the Social-Economic Cabinet on November 4, 2002 and the government resolution of August 12, 2007. Power stations will be constructed by granting licenses, allocating land, and establishing rates and incentives. The mix of technologies, in terms of the allocation of land and incentives, will take into account considerations of applicability, national and economic feasibility, global trends, and optimal utilization of water and land resources...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090112.pdf</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Construction and Housing offer hundreds of millions of NIS in aid to the residential construction sector, to lead to 6,000 new construction starts</title>
      <description>Finance Minister Roni Bar On: "The aid to the residential real-estate sector will accelerate the construction of thousands of housing units and protect the jobs of thousands of workers at various wage levels. We will not hesitate to apply policy tools and provide aid and focused solutions to accelerate economic activity and support the economy in coping with the crisis."</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090128.pdf</link>
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      <title>NIS 1.3 Billion Government Credit Fund for Mid-Sized Businesses Launched as Part of Acceleration Plan</title>
      <description>As part of the implementation of the acceleration plan, the Accountant General Division of the Ministry of Finance has selected three banks – Mercantile-Discount Bank, Bank Otsar Hahayal, and Bank Hapoalim – to establish a new fund at a volume of NIS 1.3 billion, which will offer loans to mid-sized businesses...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20090109.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Desalination Plant Expansion Procedure Successfully Completed; Quantity of Desalinated Water in Israel to Grow by 57 Million Cubic Meters this Year</title>
      <description>The interministerial tender committee for seawater desalination, headed by Gil Shabtai, Senior Deputy Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance, received proposals today from the operators of the desalination plants in Israel, located in Ashkelon, Palmachim, and Hadera, for the expansion of the plants' capacity by a total of 57 million cubic meters over the coming year; this quantity represents approximately a 25% increase of the current output...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20081231.pdf</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Directive Issued by Accountant General Today Will Lead to NIS 150 Million Increase in Budgetary Resources for Non-Profits</title>
      <description>Today (Sunday), Ministry of Finance Accountant General Shuky Oren will issue a temporary order concerning a substitute for bank guarantees in social-service tenders. The new temporary order will aid budgeted non-profit associations by eliminating the costs of interest and fee payments required of the non-profits in order to obtain bank guarantees, and releasing the amounts of the guarantees for use by the non-profits. The state's waiver of the bank guarantees will increase budgeted non-profits' budgetary resources by approximately NIS 150 million...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20081221.pdf</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finance Ministry Continues to Implement Acceleration Plan: RFP Issued to Banks Today for Establishment of a Loan Fund for Mid-Sized Businesses, to Reach NIS 1 Billion</title>
      <description>The Ministry of Finance continues the implementation of the acceleration plan. Today, the Accountant General Division issued a request for proposals to banks for the establishment of a fund to extend loans to mid-sized businesses, at a volume of approximately NIS 1 billion. The state will allocate NIS 200 million to the fund, in two stages (NIS 100 million in the first stage), while the banks are expected to increase this amount to about NIS 1 billion. This is a new fund, which will help mid-sized businesses with annual turnovers of NIS 22-100 million obtain credit to finance their operations. The RFP was issued further to a request to banks a week ago to expand the loan fund for small businesses...</description>
      <link>http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20081214.pdf</link>
    </item>-->
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