1. In the framework of the Cabinet discussion on the continued activity of the SELA Disengagement Authority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following remarks:
 
"We must take greater action and soon in order to complete dealing with our brothers whose lives were destroyed and we, as the Government, Governments of Israel, promised to deal with them and rehabilitate the ruins of their lives.  This means financial and social rehabilitation, rehabilitation in every sense of the word but now and not later.
 
We will determine all the procedures and I asked my friend, Minister Daniel Hershkowitz, who heads the ministerial team, to also submit recommendations and needs for implementation in order to end this tragedy.  What was done cannot be undone.  We can only conduct genuine introspection and say that the unilateral evacuation from the Gaza Strip brought neither peace nor security.  To my regret, the opposite occurred and we know that Gaza became a Hamas base under Iranian control from which thousands of missiles have been fired, including in the last campaign.  In short, this did not bring peace.
 
I think that we are committed to two things.  First, the rehabilitation of our brothers, as I said.  Second, we will not repeat this mistake.  We want multi-lateral agreements based on two basic components: One, the genuine recognition of the State of Israel and two – of course – security arrangements, the honoring and enforcement of which will be assured.  Regarding the unilateral evacuation from Gaza, these two elements were lacking.  We will see to it that if there is a turn towards peace by the more moderate Palestinians, we will insist on the following components: Recognition and genuine demilitarization will find expression in, and be integral parts of, the peace arrangements."
 
Following the presentation of the status of the SELA Disengagement Authority's policy towards former residents of Gush Katif and northern Samaria and the subsequent discussion, it was decided – in continuation of the Cabinet's 24.8.08 decision – that:
 
A. Prime Minister's Office Director-General Eli Gabai and Finance Ministry Budget Director Udi Nisan will – in consultation with the SELA Disengagement Authority Director and with regard to the status of the policy towards former residents of Gush Katif and northern Samaria – determine the budgetary framework and job positions of the SELA Disengagement Authority for 2010 and will adjust the Prime Minister's Office budget accordingly.   The budgetary framework and job positions of the SELA Disengagement Authority for 2010 will not exceed those of 2009.
 
B. The inter-ministerial team established in accordance with the aforesaid decision will complete its work and submit its recommendation to Prime Minister Netanyahu by 1.2.10 in order to allow the Prime Minister to decide on the conclusion of the SELA Disengagement authority's operations by 31.12.10 as per Article 9 of the 2005 Disengagement Plan Implementation Law.
 
C. To the extent that Prime Minister Netanyahu exercises his authority and decides to close the SELA Disengagement Authority, the Prime Minister's Office budget will be adjusted accordingly.
 
2. Interior Minister Eli Yishai and Interior Ministry Director-General Gavriel Maimon briefed the Cabinet on the local councils situation and their recovery plans. 
 
3. Pursuant to Article 12 of the 1959 State Service Law (Appointments) and the recommendation of Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat, the Cabinet appointed Orly Froman as Culture and Sports Ministry Director-General, effective 1.9.09.
 
4. The Cabinet decided to approve Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Stanley's Fisher's recommendation regarding various memorial medallions. 
 
5. The Cabinet noted President Shimon Peres' upcoming visit to Russia.