'Cheapen vacation prices.' Misezhnikov
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Minister: Housing protest will make comeback
Tourism Minister Misezhnikov criticizes financial organizations for not 'prioritizing' middle class
Israelis will resume the protest against inflated housing prices this summer, Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov (Yisrael Beitenu) predicted Wednesday.
Speaking at a contractors' conference in Eilat, the minister said "the housing issue prompted Israelis to take to the streets, but the question remains whether the issue has been dealt with effectively and in a way that positively affects those who protested.
Real Estate
Shay Pauzner, Calcalist
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"Following the protest (the government) began to discuss the criteria according to which people would be eligible to receive affordable apartments or a discount," he told the contractors.
"We spoke of the middle class, which includes productive people who pay taxes and have obligations – but also rights," the minister said.
Misezhnikov leveled harsh criticism at the The Manufacturers Association of Israel and other financial organizations which, according to him, dot not "prioritize" the middle class.
The minister also censured the Israel Land Administration, saying the "mandate to market lands for tourism purposes must be transferred from the Administration to the Tourism Ministry.
"The Administration markets land designated solely for housing projects."
According to Misezhnikov, some 35% of Israeli citizens choose to vacation abroad because it is cheaper. "Our goal is to reduce (vacation prices in Israel) by 20% by building more hotels to increase competition."
