"I understand this is the secret wish of several politicians with a vested interest in it. I do not regard myself as glued to the seat."
"Last night and today, I held meetings with the Prime Minister, and he told me all the rumors of my demise are nonsense, but there are evidently those who have an interested in spreading nonsense. I do not engage in speculations why they are doing this," Finance Minister Yaakov Ne’eman said today, in response to reports apparently from the Prime Minister’s Office, according to which there is an intention to replace him with Minister Silvan Shalom.
Asked whether he was aware of the intention to fire him, or whether he had any intentions himself of resigning, Ne’eman said, "I understand this is the secret wish of several politicians with a vested interest in it. I was called upon to serve the public and as long as the Prime Minister and the government request me to do so, I will continue to serve the public. I do not regard myself as glued to the seat. I came with the intention of helping the economy recover, and I will continue to carry out my job."
Ne’eman was asked if he enjoyed support. Ne’eman said, "I enjoy full support. Enjoyment in this position is another matter. I do not work six hours a day." Asked whether he felt the Prime Minister was still in harmony with him, Ne’eman said, "It would be difficult to cause friction between the Prime Minister and myself."
Published by Israel's Business Arena July 28, 1998