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A little over a year ago I came to Netanya to celebrate 75 years since the establishment of the city. I said then that present-day Netanya is a city which is building its future steadily and successfully. Today’s celebration which marks Cellcom’s move to Netanya is another brick in building the city’s promising future.
This future is based on Israel’s most important natural treasure – the quality of our human resources. Thanks to this treasure Israel has in recent years turned into one of the world’s centers of the knowledge-based industry. A good example of that is the President of Intel’s announcement to me a few days ago regarding their decision to establish another factory in Kiryat Gat, with an investment of $4 billion.
This decision is a declaration of faith in the stability and strength of the Israeli economy.
However, the innovative era in which we live also bears unpleasant implications. Two days ago, the Government addressed the issue of a national contour plan which would systematically regulate the placement of cellular antennas. It is necessary to determine the terms for the installation of antennas and the compensation for erecting them. It is not important whether this is entirely true or not – this is how the public feels, and something should be done in this regard. The current procedure for the placement of cellular antennas cannot continue. That is, we need this device, but it should be installed in a manner which is more acceptable to the public.
Therefore, the Government resolved to establish a committee of Directors General headed by the Director General of the Ministry of the Environment. In approximately one month, following the presentation of the committee’s findings, the Government will again discuss the contour plan and we will address this situation.
I would like to tell you, and I am sorry I have to mention this on this special day, however, this issue must be settled. And I am certain that you will do so.
Cellcom is one of the giants of our advanced industries, and its move to Netanya will undoubtedly further strengthen the city. Cellcom’s decision to move its home to Netanya was made at the height of the Palestinian terrorist campaign when Netanya was one of the central targets for suicide attacks. Netanya’s forbearance invoked solidarity throughout the country. The Government then rallied to Netanya’s assistance and I also called on the business world to come and strengthen the city.
Cellcom proved that in the business sector there are companies which see beyond narrow business considerations (and I am confident that you will not lose here either) and their wish to contribute to the city in its difficult hour constitutes a factor which is no less important than economic considerations. I hope that this will serve as an example for other businesses in Israel.
The move was completed only two weeks after another murderous attack in Netanya. Israel will not tolerate terror. The instructions given to the security forces in this regard are clear. The IDF will react with determination against terrorist activity and will take very serious action against terrorist organizations – during the Disengagement and after the pullout from Gaza, which will be implemented according to the fixed timetable.
The terrorist attacks in London and Egypt prove what a mistake it is to try to conduct dialogue with terrorist organizations.
Islamic terror is fought all over the world against those who are not willing to give in to its demands and the enlightened world must therefore join hands and fight back.
Today’s ceremony is one of many responses to those who attempt to harm us. Faced with attempts to break our spirit, to undermine our right to our homeland, to defeat us with terror and violence, we will continue to develop our advanced industries, absorb new immigrants, invest in the education of our children, and build and advance everywhere in Israel.
I wish Cellcom and its employees continued success in their new home and to the city of Netanya, more celebrations of this kind.
Thank you.
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