Govt. gas export decision unlikely to satisfy everyone — or anyone (Israel)

http://www.timesofisrael.com/govt-gas-export-decision-unlikely-to-satisfy-everyone-or-anyone/ ^ | June 19, 2013, 9:45 pm | David Shamah

[haffast]

With the decision by Israel’s top officials Wednesday on how much natural gas the country will be exporting in the coming years, the government is likely to get flack from all sides — at least according to the initial reactions and comments.

For those completely opposed to the export of natural gas — or too much of it — the 540 billion cubic meters of gas that will go to export (currently 40% of Israel’s projected reserves) is too much. Meanwhile, for those advocating gas exports, the amount, 13% less than the 53% of gas reserves the Tzemach Commission had recommended, is another example of the government’s flip-flopping and caving in to populist pressure.

snip

“The State of Israel received a gift from nature in large quantities of natural gas. After a series of long meetings, we have jointly decided to significantly increase the amount of gas for Israel’s use. This will supply our needs for 25 years. This is a balance between the need to ensure energy sources for Israel’s citizens and the need to export gas which will generate revenue for use by Israel’s citizens,” said Netanyahu.

The 40% of gas discoveries that are exported during the 25-year period (edit) are estimated to be worth about $60 billion.

“We want to get this approved very quickly. We certainly do not want to be like the countries that delayed in making decisions and were left without gas in the end,” said Netanyahu. “Instead of the gas staying in the ground, or under the sea in our case, we want to begin to produce gas and to fill the state’s coffers with billions of shekels that will allow us to ease the economic burden on the public, and, of course, to see to our important national needs.”

snip

[haffast]

Knesset Approves First Reading of State Budget
By Elad Benari - 6/18/2013, 1:34 AM

"The vote was preceded by a heated debate, during which Finance Minister Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) was slammed by members of the opposition over the budget, which includes measures such as an increase of 1.5 percentage points in personal income tax, one point in corporate tax and a one-point rise in VAT, together with a cut in family allowances."
http://www.timesofisrael.com/govt-gas-export-decision-unlikely-to-satisfy-everyone-or-anyone/

Syria/Russia on one side, Palestine on the other, Obamites on the bottom, and economic woes pressing down from the top, and Netanyahu believes "a gift from nature" is going to save them?

"Windows" and "doors" are closing. "Gas in the end"(times).

[haffast]

New laptop + ADD = Screwed up. Sorry.

Knesset Approves First Reading of State Budget
By Elad Benari - 6/18/2013, 1:34 AM
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/169039#.UcJZBIYQKQ4