The State Comptroller Annual Report 70B | 2020 Abstracts State of Israel
The State Comptroller Annual Report 70B Abstracts
Jerusalem, Iyar 5780, May 2020 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Contents
Foreword ...... 11
Chapter 1 Issues of Broad Importance 19
Financial Statements of the State of Israel as of 31.12.18 ...... 21
Implementation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Law, 1998 ...... 27
Regulation of the Use of Biometric Databases ...... 35
Implementation of National Suicide Prevention Program - Actions of Government Ministries ...... 43
Government Preparedness for Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Local Municipalities - Smart Cities Initiative ...... 49
Chapter 2 Government Ministries 57
Prime Minister’s Office
Administrative Issues in Regard to the Prime Minister's Office ...... 59
Civil Service Commission Catalog No. 970B-2020 Spearheading Human Capital Management in the Civil Service ...... 65 ISSN 0334-9713
Ministry of Finance This report also appears on the website of State Balance Sheet as of 31.12.18 - Investments in Projects in Collaboration the State Comptroller’s Office with the Private Sector ...... 71 www.mevaker.gov.il Follow Up Audit State Pension Agreements ...... 79
Translation & Editing: Manpower Language Solutions Graphic Design: Hagar Haimov
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Ministry of Construction and Housing Ministry of Social Equality
Purchase and Sale of Public Housing Apartments ...... 85 The National Digital Israel Program ...... 163
Ministry of Health Ministry of Religious Services
Reform for the Transfer of Responsibility for Insurance in Regard to Mental Activity of the Jewish Identity Division in the Ministry of Religious Services . . . . .171 Health ...... 91
Ministry of Health’s Actions to Prevent Health Damage from Exposure to Ministry of Communications Contaminants and Pesticides in Food Products ...... 99 Independence of Regulatory Bodies in the Broadcasting Sector ...... 177 The Ministry of Health’s Mixed Status as a Regulator and as the Owner of Government Hospitals ...... 107 Chapter 3 Ministry of Education Enforcement Agencies and State Representatives in Management and Supervision of Education for Ultra-Orthodox ...... 113 Judicial Instances 185
Fighting Crime Through Economic Enforcement and Forfeiture ...... 187 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Criminal Detentions in Israel Budget Crisis ...... 121 Detention Proceedings - Israel's Police and Courts ...... 195
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Conditions of Detention in the Israel Prison Service ...... 203
Management and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural State Representatives' Conduct in Court Deliberations Concerning Arrest . . . . 209 Development in the Field of Importation of Cattle, Fodder and Disease Prevention ...... 129
Training and Professional Service Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture and Chapter 4 Rural Development ...... 135 State Institutions, Governmental Companies and Corporations 217 Ministry for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee
Activity of the Ministry for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev Government Tourist Corporation and the Galilee and of the Negev and Galilee Development Authorities ...... 141 The interaction between the Ministry of Tourism and the Government Company for Tourism and aspects of the Company's conduct ...... 219 Ministry of Justice
Registrar of Companies Database - Quality and Dissemination of Information . . 147 Israel Bar Association
Activity of the Israel Bar Association ...... 225 Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services
Treatment of High-Risk Youth ...... 155 National Insurance Institute
Service of the Medical Committees at the National Insurance Institute ...... 231
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Israel Land Authority
Planning Work at the Israel Land Authority and Ministry of Construction and Housing ...... 237
Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation
Processes for Hiring Candidates Who Are Former Israel Broadcasting Authority Employees for the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation ...... 243
Chapter 5 Local Government 251
Municipality of Beitar Illit
Allocation of Land to Nonprofit Organizations in Beitar Illit ...... 253
Municipality of Jerusalem
Cultural Events for the Ultra-Orthodox Sector in Hanukkah 2016 in Jerusalem . . 259
Chapter 6 Other Issues 269
Israel Defence Forces
Occupational Health in the IDF ...... 271 Annual Report 70B | 2020
Foreword
The Seventieth Annual Report, for the year 2019, and for the fiscal year 2018 accounts, is the second part of the Annual Report. It is presented to the Knesset pursuant to the State Comptroller’s Law-5718-1958 [Integrated Version]. This Report covers a wide spectrum of topics, and it includes 35 chapters1 dealing with the audit of government ministries, State institutions, local government and various governmental companies and corporations. These chapters present to the public important audit findings relating to all areas of life.
We are at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, which has already been defined as a world pandemic, and which is upending the world and the State of Israel and impacting our lives in a very significant way. This outbreak has presented us with a test of our personal and national strengths. I believe that it is important that even in these times, state audit should continue to improve the operations of government institutions.2 I wish, for all of us, that we soon return to our daily routines.
When I took this office, I formulated my vision for the Office of the State Comptroller and Public Ombudsman. That vision was as follows:
The Office of the State Comptroller and Public Ombudsman carries out constructive, objective and respectful audits. The audits are directed at future challenges, increasing the audited bodies’ accountability; improving their operations, promoting the fulfillment of their objectives, and increasing the public benefit from these entities.
The Office of the State Comptroller and Public Ombudsman works to achieve its objectives, as established by law, in a professional, efficient, independent manner with organizational transparency. It strives for excellence and constant improvement, basing itself on the work of its highly skilled personnel.
In accordance with this vision, we will work toward establishing state audit as constructive, relevant and effective – dealing with the core areas of an audited entity, while focusing both on audit topics of a social nature, and providing service to the citizens. The audits will also study significant risks impacting on the audited entities activities. and analyze issues that conflict with good governance and proper ethical behavior.
Pursuant to section 10 of the State Comptroller Law, I instructed that the Financial Statements of the State of Israel as of 31 December 2018 be reviewed. The government’s financial statements are a vital administrative measure for implementing its policy and for making decisions, and they constitute one of the main channels for transferring
1 Note that aside from these chapters, there are 12 additional chapters that have been submitted in the framework of the Annual Report, and which are currently undergoing security clearance proceedings and are not included in this Report. 2 As required by law, the Report was submitted to the Prime Minister on February 14, 2020 and it is being published now.
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information regarding the state to the public, and for decision making. The financial The current medical-social-economic crisis requires that the partners in the suicide statements that were reviewed lacked significant data representing substantial prevention program must make efforts to carry it out, particularly at this time of monetary amounts. Additional deficiencies include the fact that international emergency, in order to create accessible social, educational and medical responses government accounting standards have only been partially adopted. Despite the fact for the population groups that have been found to be at risk – the elderly, children, that the financial statements show an accumulated deficit of NIS 1,961 billion and youth and new immigrants. These types of solutions are also needed for other risk liabilities (mostly long-term liabilities) in a total of NIS 2,559 billion, which indicate groups – those who have lost their livelihoods and those who are currently under great significant risks for the State of Israel – the national financial statements have not been emotional distress. deliberated by the Government or by the Knesset. The statements’ presentation to the decision-makers could also contribute to increasing the government’s accountability, An examination of the aspects of the reform involving transfer of responsibility for improve the manner in which it uses public resources that are made available to it and mental health safety has shown that the waiting times for receiving treatment at the to serve as a platform for discussion of the assets and liabilities (particularly the long- health funds can be extended, sometimes as long as 12 to 16 months. This has the term liabilities) and an examination of the country’s short-term and long-term economic potential effect of adversely affecting the mental health of the patients, and can also challenges. In my view, the types of audits carried out by the State Comptroller should cause untold damage to their families and their immediate surroundings and reduce be varied and we need to improve the scope of financial audits. the impact of the therapy. Patients who turn to private therapists are forced to pay high co-payment fees in the amount of approximately NIS 570 per month. These costs With regard to handling social issues, the State audit process pays special attention to can present an obstacle that prevents the less economically secure population groups examining matters that relate to weaker groups within the population, whose rights are from receiving needed treatment. harder to protect and who often have no opportunity to be heard. In our examination of the State’s handling of high-risk youth, the audit showed that the Ministries of Contaminates in food products can cause illnesses and in extreme circumstances, Welfare and of Education have not been coordinating their actions regarding the fatalities. In our review of the actions taken by the Ministry of Health to prevent health identification of members of this vulnerable group and handling them. The two dangers caused by exposure to contaminates and pesticides in food products, we ministries need to formulate, together, a uniform and comprehensive approach, with found many issues that require improvement in the National Food Services’ (a division the objective of establishing appropriate educational or therapeutic responses for of the Ministry of Health) handling of contaminated food that has been marketed to them. This could range from community based arrangements to solutions outside of the public and regarding illnesses related to these food products. It was also found that their homes – including government dormitory programs. Regarding the government food products brought to Israel from the Palestinian Authority are marketed without dormitory programs, it has been determined that the Youth Guardianship Authority the National Food Services checking them. It is recommended that the interfaces with must continue to work to reduce the number of young people who are waiting for the public be improved, and that the public be informed in a timely efficient manner placement in the dormitory programs and to expand the variety of solutions available regarding any exposure to contaminates in food products. for them. Since assuming my position as State Comptroller, I have insisted that technology and In the course of an examination of the systems for purchasing and selling public computerization development - with all the advantages and risks that they present – housing apartments, I recommended that in light of the continued increase in the is one of the key upcoming challenges. This Report sets out the findings from several number of those entitled to public housing, the government should continue to work systemic audits carried out in this area. One of the Report’s chapters deals with the to expand the options for needy population groups who require housing assistance. use of biometric databases, which has become more frequent in both government This should include an examination of ways to increase the apartment supply and to and private sectors, and which presents many advantages as well as significant risks in integrate such an expansion with other governmental programs, such as the “Buyer’s terms of data security and privacy protection. Price” program. The audit indicates that there are numerous areas that require corrective action, as Every year, some 400 people in Israel commit suicide. The comprehensive chapter the biometric applications and challenges in this developing area will only increase dealing with the issue of the National Suicide Prevention Program points to the fact over time. The matter requires constant review and supervision, with the objective of that in the six years since the program began to operate, the government ministries managing risks and best protecting the public in an efficient manner. It is recommended – primarily the Ministry of Health, which was asked to lead the program, and its key to consider unifying key databases – i.e., the biometric identity card and driver’s partners, the Ministries of Welfare, Education and Absorption, have failed to implement license databases. Control of data stored in the photo database of the Rav-Kav (public the main elements of the plan. They have failed to establish an organizational and transportation) smart-cards should be improved, in light of the large quantity of administrative infrastructure to carry it out, they have not allocated any of the budgets the data held in that database and the risks involved in its use, especially because it for the program that were established in the Government Resolution and did not includes approximately a million photographs of minors. outline or adopt any therapeutic strategies suitable for dealing with the phenomenon. An additional systemic element that was examined relates to the integration of The program was operated in only a few towns. advanced technologies in the activities of municipalities, and the challenges involved in the development of “smart municipalities”. The chapter dealing with the issue of
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government preparedness for implementation of the smart cities initiative indicates substantial portion of the holding cells with the living space standards established in the significant gaps between the technological capabilities and the services that the accordance with the rulings of the High Court of Justice. The implementation of these local authorities provide, the difficulties that the local authorities face in implementing audit recommendations can make a substantial contribution to the improvement of the digital projects, and the need for integration and professional support and infrastructures work of the law enforcement authorities in this area, in a manner that will secure the for the local governments. An additional chapter in the Report relates to the country’s human dignity of the detainees. preparation for a transition to the age of computerization and deals with the national project – “Digital Israel”. The project is based on a vision of the use of information The Fight Against Crime, Through Economic Enforcement and Asset Forfeiture: The technologies and communications in order to promote rapid economic growth, so as audit focused on a review of the obstacles that impede the conduct of legal proceedings to reduce the cost of living and reduce disparities between the geographical and social in which a criminal’s property is forfeited and is transferred to state ownership through periphery and the urban center. The government should examine, in an inter-ministerial a court order. There is a substantial disparity between the number of investigations forum, all the investments in the initiative; these need to be viewed in comparison to that are opened by the police and other investigative authorities and the scope of the the output that has been derived from these investments until now, and the expected assets that are seized, and the ability of the prosecuting entities and the forfeiture unit future benefits. to handle those cases and take control of those assets. We also found that there are overly crowded litigation schedules and that the handling of the financial enforcement The chapter dealing with the diplomatic representation system and the crisis in the cases and of serious tax crime cases and the conduct of the legal proceedings take foreign ministry’s budget indicates that the system is in a structural-operational crisis. considerable time. It is recommended that all the parties dealing with this issue should International activities are performed by approximately 40 government entities who establish enforcement targets for this matter, in coordination with each other. operate in dozens of areas, in a decentralized manner – in formats that are tangential, parallel and repetitive with respect to the foreign ministry’s activity – without a strategic Implementation of the Sexual Harassment Law: On February 27, 2018, the Knesset’s view, and without any centralized integrated management. No one party has a complete State Audit Committee asked the State Comptroller to prepare an opinion regarding picture of all of Israel’s worldwide activity. Alongside this, the Foreign Ministry itself is this matter. The audit indicated that the state institutions have implemented procedures experiencing a critical budgetary crisis, which substantially disrupted its activity in for preventing sexual harassment by civil servants and government employees and for 2019. This situation does not allow for maximum utilization of the opportunities to handling incidents. In contrast, the sexual harassment incidents between civil servants promote Israel’s interests in the international forum. and the general public, in frameworks such as the educational system and the health care system, are not appropriately handled. Furthermore, sexual harassment in the Several years ago, the government decided to engage in a major reform of the Civil private and public employment sector is not being handled appropriately, and there Service personnel management. The findings in this field indicate that the Civil is insufficient government oversight in this area. We recommended to the Ministry Service has partially dealt with the significant challenges regarding human resources of Justice that they examine new methods for implementing the Law, and that they management; the government reform was implemented only in part, and a work policy promote an annual reporting obligation regarding sexual harassment incidents and and plan is needed to complete the project. An audit regarding management issues focus their attention on weaker population groups, including contract workers of both at the Prime Minister’s Office has shown that various senior positions have not been genders. filled. These positions deal with administrative issues and purchasing authority in the Prime Minister’s Office. It is recommended that these positions be filled, and that As State Comptroller, I attribute great importance to the examination of issues that methods for improving the control process be examined. impact on the business sector, including a review of the nature and cost of the service provided to that sector and the need to strive to reduce the bureaucratic burden. The Pursuant to the Public Complaints Regarding the State’s Representatives in the Courts audit regarding the Companies Register database – the distribution of information and Tribunals Law - 2016, the unit for Audit of the System of State Prosecutors and and the quality thereof deals with the distribution of information from the database Representatives in the Courts, was established at the end of 2017, within the Office of managed by the Companies Registrar; the authenticity, accuracy, and quality of the the State Comptroller. This annual Report contains three chapters relating to the unit’s information in it. The audit also examined privacy protection for the information stored work, as set out below: in the database. In light of the importance of the database for the public, the Ministry of Justice must insist that those companies that have been licensed to distribute Criminal Arrests in Israel: This is a systemic audit of the work of the various law information from the database to the public fulfill their obligations, continue to improve enforcement authorities: The Israel Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Courts System the quality of the information and improve its accessibility to the public. and the Israel Prison Service. The audit indicated deficiencies in the work of these entities and in the interaction among them, and primarily the disregard for the The Office of the State Comptroller also auditedthe management and supervision of protection of detainees’ rights and insufficient supervision and control of this aspect; the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the import of livestock limitations on the law enforcement authorities’ access to the courts; non-regulation and animal feed and the prevention of diseases. We found that in recent years, the of the function of the detainees’ court representatives; the insufficient use of arrest price of meat for consumers has risen, despite reforms that were implemented for the alternatives or arrest in the form of electronic monitoring; and non-conformity of a purpose of lowering the price. The Ministry of Agriculture also delayed the approval of
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livestock imports from additional countries, even though such imports were likely to presents the public and decision makers with an overview of the activities of the increase competitiveness and reduce the price of meat for consumers. In regards to audited entities. It thus helps all of us to ensure the propriety of public service in the protecting public health, we found that there are no regular inspections to ascertain State of Israel, and makes an important contribution to increased efficiency, savings breeders’ compliance with the import conditions in countries that have been approved and ethical behavior within the audited entities and increased compliance with the to import livestock. Additionally, despite the high percentage of meat that is infected rules of good governance. with brucellosis and the number of humans also infected with the disease – there is no implementable plan to eradicate the disease and to stop its spread. There is also a Considerable effort was expended by the personnel of the State Comptroller’s suspicion that imported animal feed that includes poisonous materials that will harm Office in the preparation of this Report. The preparation work was carried out animals who eat it, and will also harm humans since no inspections are performed to professionally, thoroughly, fairly and carefully, and those working on it carry out ascertain that the feed is safe. their public functions out of a sense of true dedication. I am very grateful to those who prepared this Report. In the context of examining issues relating to proper administration and ethical behavior, we conducted an audit of cultural events for the Ultra-Orthodox sector in Jerusalem I am also aware that much good has been done in many audited entities, for the benefit during Chanuka of 2016. The audit found various defects in the grant approval process of the residents of the State of Israel. In accordance with the State Comptroller Law, and the financing of these events: The Jerusalem municipality provided excessive this activity is reflected appropriately in this Report for the purpose of providing a financing for an event that was branded as a birthday celebration for a regional radio full presentation of the situation as indicated by the audit. station. The financing came from two parallel financing sources, in violation of – among The audited entities have an obligation to act quickly and efficiently to correct the other things – the rules of good governance. The municipality’s actions caused the deficiencies indicated in this Report, in order to promote good public service in Ministry for Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galil to suspend its Israel and thus to improve the quality of life for the residents of the country. previously approved financial support for the event, and the municipality itself bore the entire cost of the events. The payment amounts and the double payments as well – made by the Jerusalem Municipality and by the Ariel Company, for identical types of service, require the Jerusalem Municipality to examine all the payments that were made for financing the event. The Jerusalem Municipality must implement a more efficient control mechanism to monitor government financial support and payment approvals for events, including the purchase of services from the Ariel Company.
Monitoring the correction of deficiencies that have been noted in previous reports is an important tool, the purpose of which is to ascertain that the audited entities have carried out the required corrections. I intend to expand the scope of the follow-up Matanyahu Englman audits, and to upgrade the manner in which those audits are performed. The current Report presents the findings of the follow-up audit regarding theState pension State Comptroller and Ombudsman – findings that were published in October of 2016. We did a limited arrangements Jerusalem, May 2020 review regarding the correction of deficiencies regarding several significant issues that were raised in the previous Report, including: increased pension rates approved by the Chief of Staff for IDF pensioners; payment of a bridge pension for IDF pensioners and recording the resulting liability in the State balance sheet; and action taken to raise the pension age for women.
The audit findings indicate that there has been only partial progress in resolving these issues, and that government intervention is required to mediate the remaining disputes between the IDF and the Ministry of Finance regarding these matters. Government intervention is also required to regulate data transparency. The current Report recommends completing a review of the plan for increasing the retirement age for women including a comparison to international norms, especially in light of the welcome and continuing increase in life expectancy in Israel.
This far-ranging Report covers many different subjects, and this introduction only touches on some of the chapters that are included in it. Each of the Report chapters
17 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Chapter 1 Issues of Broad Importance State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Financial Statements of the State of Israel as of 31.12.18
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Financial Statements of the State of Israel as of 31.12.18
Abstract
Background
The purpose of the State's financial statements is to provide a broad picture of the Government's activities, assets and liabilities, and they are the central tool that enables proper transparency and disclosure regarding the financial activities of the Government Ministries and entities it holds, and serve as a tool for decision-makers regarding the allocation of resources. To achieve these goals, the State's financial statements must be complete, reliable and audited. Article 12 of the State Comptroller's Law, 1958 [Combined Version] states that every year, at the date the Comptroller shall set, but no later than six months after the end of the State's fiscal year, the Minister of Finance shall submit to the State’s Comptroller "a comprehensive account of the income and expenditure of the State for that year”.
Key figures
NIS 1.961 billion NIS 2.387 million NIS 523 billion The cumulative Long-term commitments as Estimate of the fair accounting deficit as of of 31.12.18 value of State lands not 31.12.18 included in the 2018 financial statements
NIS 15.5 billion 202 About 67% The annual accounting Entities (including: Of all entities included in deficit for 2018. The State Government Ministries, the consolidated financial budget deficit for 2018 statutory corporations statements are inspected was NIS 38.7 billion and more) are included in by auditors the consolidated financial statements of the State of Israel as of 31.12.18
18 statutory corporations 4 years Abstract Are not included in the consolidated financial statements The length of time of the State of Israel that the Government Accounting Standards Committee did not meet
23 Abstract | Financial Statements of the State of Israel as of 31.12.18 25 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Accountant General must prepare a multi-year work plan for auditing the for plan work a multi-year prepare must General Accountant The required requisitions alia, on the inter and base it, statements financial State's the mapping including and liabilities, assets other and items assets the fixed in optimize to components, of all report of the models and estimates and validation enable a plenary audit of the state's and to therein presented the information statements. financial complete Chief Accountant and General the Accountant that It is recommended accounting apply all international to in order of adopting the standard the work financial and prepared audited the consolidated, and present in Israel standards international with up-to-date in accordance of Israel of the State statements standards. accounting It is recommended that the Accountant General, whose role is to present complete complete present is to whose role General, Accountant the that It is recommended under government prepared State of the statements financial and audited to presenting should consider of Finance, and the Minister standards accounting upon statements the annual financial each year and the Knesset the government decision to is presented therein contained information the that so publication, will This manner. orderly and in a comprehensive makers and policy makers its use of the public and improve of the Government accountability the increase decision making. Furthermore, for it as an additional tool to available resources statements the financial discuss Office each Government that it is recommended of its Minister. with the participation discuss of Finance, the Ministry through the Government, that It is recommended statements, the annual financial arising from obligations the risks of long-term provisions and events insurance for reserves obligations, rights employee including deal with them. to ways claims, and examine legal for
- The financial statements are are statements financial - The statements the financial in of information Improvement The in the world. countries among many as is common basis, on a cumulative compiled recent in increased has statements financial in the State's entities included number of entities in 2018. 202 to 154 entities in 2014 from years and make transparency increase to Division is working General Accountant The . to citizens available statements financial Israel's of on the State the information the to guide the citizen's publishes General the Accountant 2016, since example, For public. the general to website of Finance on the Ministry statements financial State's Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The State Comptroller's Office examined from an overall accounting perspective perspective accounting overall from an examined Office Comptroller's State The obtaining at (aimed reform accounting the Government view and a broad in the customary those to norms in the public sector and transparency reporting the which to according standards accounting of regulation the sector), business reports, in the of the data reliability the prepared, are statements financial State's the arise from and risks that as the trends as well and control, their integrity in Department General's Accountant done mainly in the audit was The reports. of Finance. the Ministry The notes to the financial statements indicate that the National Insurance Insurance National the that indicate statements the financial to notes The the aging of the 2045, due to by be depleted to fund is expected Institute's Insurance funding, the National additional government and without population, under the law. its full obligations pay will not be able to Institute The cumulative accounting deficit of NIS 1,961 billion presented in the financial billion presented deficit of NIS 1,961 accounting cumulative The in the position presented asset Because the number. is a residual statements represent this number does not is incomplete, statements financial consolidated deficit. government the cumulative of statements the budgetary pension in the financial for actuarial liability The than the actual liability. billion is not fully disclosed and is lower NIS 649 - 15 standards accounting Government adoption of international Partial adopted been published and have that standards government international Government for the Commission by been published not yet have internationally in Israel. Standards Accounting - 67 - 67 statements bodies in the financial on consolidated information Missing not are of 31.12.18 as statements financial in the included entities 202 of the not included in the are corporations In addition, 18 statutory auditors. by audited statements. financial consolidated The Government and the Knesset do not hold discussions in regard to the State's the State's to in regard do not hold discussions and the Knesset Government The accounting pre-sent a cumulative statements The financial statements. financial totaling long-term) of which are billion and liabilities (most deficit of NIS 1,961 . of Israel State to the significant risks billion, giving rise to NIS 2,559 monetary scope extensive of data substantial lack statements financial The assets intangible billion, 523 NIS being estimate value the fair land value, such as be may that in the amount of NIS 5.3 billion, but not including assets presented legal claims” which amounts to for “Provision of the item the balance material, of information sources alia, on incomplete about NIS 8.2 billion and is based, inter and estimates.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
The financial statements are one of the main channels for transmitting information about the Government to the public and for identifying financial and monetary trends and risks, as well as being an important management tool for policy implementation and decision making. One of the main functions of the Accountant General is to present complete and audited financial statements of the State, prepared in accordance with the Government Accounting Standards. He must formulate a multi-year plan, with clear target dates, so State Comptroller and Ombudsman that the State's financial statements will be reliable, complete, audited and prepared in Annual Report 70B | 2020 accordance with the latest international standards.
Summary of the main items on the assets and liabilities side that are not fully presented in the State’s balance sheet as of 31.12.18 Implementation of the Sexual Liabilities side Assets side Harassment Prevention Law, Current inventory – NIS 6.9 billion Non-current inventory – NIS 3.5 billion 1998
Liabilities in respect of employee Abstract rights NIS 681.7 billion Receivables in respect of royalties NIS 10.2 billion
Provision for legal claims NIS 8.2 billion Intangible assets NIS 5.3 billion
Contingent liabilities - ? Land worth about NIS 523 billion
According to the statistics of the financial statements of the State of Israel for 2018, adapted by the State Comptroller's Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Implementation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Law, 1998
Abstract
Background
The Sexual Harassment Prevention Law, 1998, was designed to protect human dignity and promote gender equality. The law determines which behaviors are sexual harassment and offers three procedures for the victims: criminal, civil and disciplinary proceedings under labor law. On 27.2.18, the State's Audit Committee of the Knesset asked the State Comptroller to prepare an opinion by virtue of section 21 of the State Comptroller Law, 1958, on the implementation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Law. In formulating this opinion, consideration was given to the infrastructure in place to deal with the phenomenon both within and outside the governmental and public bodies; all this to build insights, after two decades since the Law was enacted, in areas where actions need to be taken to ensure the protection of the wellbeing and dignity of individuals in the society.
Key figures
1 of 4 women 153,000 95% - 98% Replied in the survey Were sexually harassed Of the respondents (2011) that she had in 2018, according to the who reported sexual experienced sexual Personal Security Survey 2018 harassment in personal harassment or indecent conducted by the Ministry of security surveys acts on public transport Public Security and the CBS conducted by the Ministry of Public Security chose not to complain to police about the violation 4,814 1,568 302 The number of claims The number of students The number of complaints on sexual harassment who reported being sexually about sexual harassment received in assistance harassed by teachers in by patients treated by centers for sexual assault 2017 survey by the National a medical team in the victims in 2018 Authority for Measurement and healthcare system from Evaluation in Education survey 2015 to 2017 Abstract 146 29 The number of lawsuits on The number of indictments filed in 2019 where sexual sexual harassment filed harassment was the only or major offense, out of 129 in 2018 at Magistrate's indictments that included a sexual harassment offense Courts and Labor Tribunals
29 Abstract | Implementation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Law, 1998 31 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual In 2015 - 2018, 595 sexual harassment complaints were filed with the Civil filed with the Civil were complaints harassment sexual 595 - 2018, In 2015 complaints of number The a year). complaints (about 150 Commission Service subreporting. indicates probably with the number of civil servants as compared sexual to Office Comptroller's the State by passed a questionnaire to In response cited, were various difficulties offices, supervisors in government harassment disciplinary internal the in status regulated a have not do regulators The including: does not Commission the Civil Service and in the Ministry, conducted process about the termination, complainants them the them and through update always complainant. to support the for them it difficult which makes There are considerable gaps in the support system, treatment and enforcement and enforcement treatment in the support system, gaps considerable are There away move As you surroundings. various in the harassment sexual of the area in public, the effect the general and public bodies to of government the circle from poorer. are systems is diminished and the treatment of regulation
In the large security bodies - the IDF, the police and the IPS - a variety of measures measures of variety a - IPS the and police the IDF, the - bodies security large the In among harassment sexual and prevent culture change organizational to taken were employees. The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The one, conditions: restrictive two of face the in exists harassment sexual of treatment The and field of treatment in the trained are agencies that government to subreporting of extent on the data and up-to-date - the lack of comprehensive second enforcement; surroundings. in the various the phenomenon of the ongoing preparation light the in a positive views Office Comptroller's State The to according of Public Security, the Ministry by conducted personal security survey conclusions drawn. can be identified and practical which trends Public Sphere market servants harassment harassment harassment harassment between civil between Treatment of Treatment in the private labor in the private sexual harassment harassment sexual in the public sphere Treatment of sexual of sexual Treatment of sexual Treatment Treatment of sexual of sexual Treatment in the interfaces between between in the interfaces residents and public servants in public servants and residents the health and education systems the health and education State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State For the purpose of preparing the opinions, audits were conducted in the Ministry Ministry the in conducted were audits opinions, the preparing of purpose the For of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry Commission, Service the Civil of Justice, and the Authority and Social Services Social Welfare Labor, of Health, the Ministry of Social Equality. in the Ministry Women of of the Status the Promotion for and of Economy the Ministry at as well checked were issue aspects of the Certain Prison Service. and the Police the Israel the IDF, Institute, the Standards Industry, the to given was the opinion, attention in preparing As mentioned above, where areas the phenomenon in four deal with set up to was that infrastructure in the in the public sphere; is required: harassment sexual against protection within the and employees citizens between interaction workplace; sector private employees. among public sector in relations systems; health and education The opinion deals with the following topics: Data and studies on the phenomenon phenomenon the on studies and Data topics: following the with deals opinion The the with harassment; dealing law of the the course harassment; of sexual the treatment in the labor market; harassment of sexual prevention and treatment system. and education in the health harassment of sexual and prevention
Audit Actions Audit
Abstract | Implementation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Law, 1998 33 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Impact As-sessment should be considered. Impact As-sessment 1 The Ministry of Justice must examine the application of the law in workplaces, in workplaces, of the law the application examine must of Justice Ministry The for the possibilities Ministries with the relevant examine it must and in particular, do this, a To workplaces. sector in private the handling of complaints improving of RIA-Regulator process The Ministry of Justice, in charge of the implementation of the law, must must of the law, of the implementation charge in of Justice, Ministry The the prevention to regard in acts State the way of the an examination consider changes in the of the need for as an examination as well harassment, of sexual agencies, while government among the relevant of responsibilities distribution As part of this workers). (including contract populations disadvantaged targeting and the problem of identify the extent to be collected should data examination, on sexual of subreporting to the phenomenon a solution on their basis finding harassment. the scope of expanding the possibility should consider Department of Justice The stipulates that (a regulation Regulations Harassment 9 of the Sexual of Regulation in higher education harassment sexual prevent to obligations annual reporting other bodies, including the apply it to and to and the security forces) institutions and Health Ministries. Education deal to of ways regulation comprehensive undertake of Health must Ministry The is in a manner that harassment and prevent complaints harassment with sexual the plethora given institutions, of health care the unique characteristics to tailored examine it must it. In the meantime, for re-sponsible and institutions of populations those who regarding updates Ombudsman delivers the Health Services the ways to in order of harassment accused establishment the health services part of are other jobs and carry out recurring to abusers move that the possibility prevent abuses. but have students harass who sexually in which teachers situation, current The requires their work, can continue proceeding, a criminal of not been convicted and protecting recidivism preventing of Education, the Ministry from regulation as all students. as well complainants
Assessment process of the positive and negative effects of existing and future legislation and of non- of and legislation future and existing of effects negative and positive the of process Assessment alternatives. regulatory Summary and deal with sexual prevent mechanisms to established have institutions State The incidents harassment sexual On the other hand, servants. civil between harassment whereas not sufficiently addressed, public are and the general public servants between workplace sector private the in occurring events harassment sexual of treatment the the State. by is poor and lacks supervision and in the public sphere 1 Main Audit Recommendations Audit Main State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In the absence of a regulating government agency, harassed women in the public women harassed agency, government of a regulating In the absence is a notable but there or sue in a civil lawsuit, complaint can file a criminal sphere civil lawsuits. less and even small quantity of criminal complaints The powers conferred by law to some relevant government agencies are limited, limited, agencies are government some relevant to law by conferred powers The harassment sexual of issue the with dealing regulator experienced no is there and workplace. sector in the private The Ministry of Education does not make use of its existing tools available to it, to available tools use of its existing does not make of Education Ministry The of a minor a complaint when even of a teacher the dismissal allow which would in a criminal conviction. resulted has not yet harassment about sexual the of itsupdate has not completed Education of the Ministry years, many For offenses. dealing with sexual CEO's circulars There is no information about offenders in the Ministry of Health, and thus of Health, in the Ministry about offenders is no information There commit additional offenses. jobs and between switch may offenders does not incorporate system information disciplinary of Education's Ministry The of coomprehensive who abuse minors. In the absence on adults all the information and harm students. return abus-ers may data, Interpersonal interactions and power gaps make coping with these systems in the these systems with coping gaps make and power interactions Interpersonal of partly because of the identity complex, particularly harassment of sexual area harassment and because sexual and minors), of patients the victims (populations to responses of and thus a wide range and expressions, of forms has a wide range dealing with regulations that found Both Ministries is required. harassment sexual incidents, and harassment sexual to full response did not give harassment sexual unsatisfactory. were har-assment address to the measures
Public Sphere The Private Sector Workplace Sector Private The Interaction Between Government Ministries and Citizens and Citizens Ministries Government Between Interaction Education of and Ministry of Health - Ministry State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Regulation of the Use of Biometric Databases
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Regulation of the Use of Biometric Databases
Abstract
Background
“Biometrics” is a computerized technology that enables single-value identification of a person according to a unique human biological (anatomical or physiological) or behavioral characteristic through computerized evaluation. Identification and verification can be done in several ways such as face recognition, iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, walking recognition, voice recognition, palm recognition, and typing recognition. These properties are measurable and maintainable and can be used for verification and detection. The increasing use of biometric applications1 in the government and private sectors has many benefits, along with significant risks in information security and privacy protection aspects. These risks are even bigger when it comes to storing biometric information in databases. In light of this, the Israeli government has recognized the need for a comprehensive national policy in the field.
Key figures
4.5 million NIS 250,000 550,000 Images in the Ministry Fingerprints in the Fingerprints and face of Transport's driver's identification system of photos in the database license database employment seekers in the of foreign workers in Israeli Employment Service - the Population and The Computerized System Immigration Authority - Foreign Workers System
5,500 6.1 million NIS November 2016 Voice samples in voice Photos of 'Rav-Kav' The national policy for recognition database in transport card users stored biometric applications telephone calls at the in the National Transport was approved by the Prison Service - “Shahaf” Authority's databases and Prime Minister system operators' databases for 4.5 2
million unique passengers Abstract
1 Biometric Applications - Taking biometric identifying measures, production of biometric identification data and use of biometric data. 2 The number of images is higher than the number of passengers because in the past more than one multi-line card could be issued to the passenger.
37 Abstract | Regulation of the Use of Biometric Databases 39 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual It is proposed that an examination be conducted in the National Cyber Security Cyber in the National be conducted an examination that It is proposed its at and the tools and powers the unit's jurisdiction regarding Authority to the regard particularly the case with This is responsibilities. fulfil its disposal to subject and databases and public biometric databases of government operation which as in local authorities, banks and hospitals), (such regulation government to information. filled with sensitive are the findings of the unit, which led should examine Department of Transport The and a high-risk database, database photo license its declaring the driver's to the risk. reduce to steps the necessary undertake This information is required for examining aspects of information security and security of information aspects examining for is required information This sensitivity their great especially given and of passengers, the privacy protecting the Biometric Moreover, a million minors. images of about also include as they information lacked and therefore the issue Unit did not examine Applications of the with the principles databases the aforementioned of compliance regarding Policy. Biometric Applications National In a In Sector: Private the in Databases Biometric Regarding Activity Examining of Israel, in the State of thousands of databases hundreds are there where reality in databases, and their storage applications use of biometric and the increasing not does clearly Authority Protection Privacy the sector, private the in including in databases existing of all the operation monitor effectively the ability to have Israel. of the State and 2013 since been issued have Smart ID cards ID card: Lack of use of smart many been issued, already have 2.8 million smart IDs 2019, although as of August requiring 30) can also be obtained without (about services types of government that shows data the Furthermore, identification. of means other and ID smart a is services government available obtaining the smart ID for use of of the rate government for has this benefits the all of spite in Therefore, low. extremely was smart ID card which the one of the aims for residents, and for ministries a based upon identified services - providing been achieved has not yet created security. of authentication high level very
Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit Work Requirement Identification System - Employment Service (Computerized (Computerized Service Employment - System Identification Requirement Work that supervisor's certification the Unit has received Service Employment The System): requirements. policy biometric application meets the national the system Biometric Identification commends the activity of the Office Comptroller's State The in government databases of biometric the operation examine Unit to and Applications policies and guidelines national biometric application with compliance and their offices implementation. its for transportation expand public to attempt commends the Office Comptroller's State The phone. cell options by payment State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From March to September 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined examined Office Comptroller's the State 2019, September to March From of the powers - databases the use of biometric regulating to aspects related to regard activity with Unit, the Applications and Identification Biometric the and the lack of sectors, and private in the governmental biometric databases of Justice the Ministry at conducted audit was The card. use of the smart identity Counsel of Legal and the Department Protection of Privacy - the Department Cyber - the Government Authority Computing the Government and Legislation; the Population Unit; and the E-Government and Unit (the “Yahav”-Unit) Defense the Israel Safety, and Road of Transport the Ministry Authority, and Immigration Public and National Service Employment Israeli Service, Prison the Israel Police, Authority. Transport The National Public National users: The card public transport 'Rav-Kav' of Image database the public about the databases information any does not have Authority Transport databases. these in the images on information including have, operators transport In - 'Shahaf' System: calls in the Prison Service in telephone recognition Voice and issue this on legislation promote to need the recognized Court High the 2014, regulating legislation it. However, promote action to took Prison Service the Israeli yet been passed. has not the use of this means of identification Database of Immigrant Workers in the Population and Immigration Authority Authority Immigration and in the Population Workers of Immigrant Database and Immigration the Population As of July 2019, System: Workers - Foreign the system's assess to actions the necessary completed has not yet Authority for Moreover, applications. biometric for policies national the with compliance foreign from taken been has information identification biometric years, 15 about the without records), 550,000 some date, (to system the in stored and workers being regulated. issue This database is database This of Transport: in the Ministry licenses of drivers' Database risk is great there by the unit that found was It defined as a high risk database. security and of information in it in terms stored the biometric information to the necessary provided has not yet of Transport Ministry The protection. privacy the use of arranged the risk and has not yet mitigate to response professional (including the images in primary legislation quality biometric for this database time the despite is This agencies). government other to information of transfer doing so. recommended the Department of Justice since period (14 years) Difficulties of the Biometric Identification and Applications Unit in fulfilling Unit in fulfilling and Applications Difficulties of the Biometric Identification and regulations supervisory and enforcement on voluntary Relying its mission: ability the unit's bodies impaired on the part of government partial cooperation decision. to the government's according fulfill its mission to
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Audit in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Regulation of the Use of Biometric Databases 41 5,500 voice samples 5,500 voice 2.5 million fingerprints million DNA samples 1.1 550,000 fingerprints 550,000 photos and face photos 5.5 million face 3.8 million fingerprints fingerprints 250,000 photos 4.5 million face 1.3 million fingerprints photos face 960,000 DNA samples 450,000 1.3 million back of palm photos Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Voice recognition system system recognition Voice calls – telephone for Shahaf identifying for Database and casualties, injured persons missing Database of Immigrant of Immigrant Database - Maoz Workers Smart national – documentation and IDs Passports Requirement Work - System Identification System Computerized photo license Driver’s database of suspects, Database and convicts defendants border Automated – back of palm crossing identification government sector government Israel Prison Israel Service IDF** Population and Population Immigration Authority Biometric National Database Authority* Israeli Employment Service of Ministry and Transport Safety Road Police** Israel Airport Authority Examples of biometric databases in the in databases of biometric Examples the fingerprints is not mandatory. A resident who agrees to keep their fingerprint in the database will receive receive database will keep their fingerprint in the to resident who agrees A the fingerprints is not mandatory. with documentation will receive who does not agree and a resident of 10 years, with a validity documentation years for 5 valid will be retained, so the documentation minors no fingerprints will be For of 5 years. a validity the keep to on a consent one of his parents, the age of 16 who can sign, in addition to a minor over for (except residents, for some of documentation, renewal for requests result of as a Also, fingerprints in the database). in the database. is stored than one record more according to data collected during the audit, which the State Comptroller's Office processed. Office Comptroller's during the audit, which the State collected data to according but keeping is mandatory in the database image the face saving that It should be noted residents. 4.5 million * For stored. is than one means of identification more some people in the database, - For ** Non-unique data State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State It is recommended that all government agencies holding databases that that agencies holding databases all government that It is recommended sharing information improve to ways examine include personal information adopt a decision to the government's agencies following government between improve to once, only their information for asked are residents whereby policy on citizens. burden the bureaucratic reduce the public and to service government It is recommended that the Population Authority and the Ministry of Transport, in Transport, of Ministry the and Authority Population the that recommended is It the examine Unit, and Applications with the Biometric Identification collaboration license. the smart ID with the driver's of consolidating possibility It would be appropriate for the Privacy Protection Authority to map the use of map to Authority Protection Privacy the for appropriate be It would which assessment and carry out a risk sector in the private biometric databases infringement privacy the risks of will reduce that a policy formulate will help to It is of biometric information. and management processing in the preservation, the mapping of the risks be brought from the findings that also recommended Unit, because it and Applications of the Biometric Identification attention the to to biometric field, with a view in the and experience is the fulcrum of knowledge the risks. to response a comprehensive providing Given the vast scope of data in the 'Rav-Kav' transport card users' databases, and databases, users' card transport 'Rav-Kav' the in data of scope vast the Given sensitivity as their high including operation, in their of the risks inherent because and Applications Identification of minors, the Biometric as one million photos well It is also of these databases. the operation examining consider Unit should the operation should monitor Authority Transport the National that appropriate of these databases.
The situation reflected in this audit report indicates a range of areas and issues that that and issues range of areas a report indicates in this audit reflected situation The ensuring biometric databases; of governmental action: regulation corrective require while minimizing the biometric policy, national follow databases government that reduction; database for of the possibility examination in their operation; risks inherent of the Biometric Identification of the jurisdiction and powers and anchoring examination risks inherent and mapping of the various Unit; and the examination and Applications of violation and their sector private in the databases of biometric in the existence the risks. will reduce that a policy with the aim of formulating privacy, years, the over will intensify field and challenges in this evolving Biometric applications the protect manage risks and to to in order and control examination constant requiring public effectively. Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Implementation of National Suicide Prevention Program - Actions of Government Ministries
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Implementation of National Suicide Prevention Program - Actions of Government Ministries
Abstract
Background
Suicide and attempted suicide are serious issues in regard to children, adolescents and adults. In December 2013, the Government decided on a national suicide prevention program (hereinafter - the program), with the idea that suicide could and should be prevented. According to the decision, suicide prevention is a national interest that must be achieved in a joint effort by government ministries and local municipalities, led by the Ministry of Health. The decision outlined the organizational, budgetary and professional mechanisms for managing the program and the key actions required for its success.
Key figures
372 6,370 2 The number of suicides per The number of suicide Suicide is the second leading year on average. Between attempts per year on cause of death among youth 2013 and 2016, 1,486 people average. Between 2013 committed suicide in Israel and 2016, there were 25,480 suicide attempts made in Israel
2 to 2.5 billion NIS Only about 28% 13% The annual cost to the Of local authorities run The decrease in the rate Israeli economy as a result the program (71 out of of suicides from 2012 to of suicide cases 255) 2017 in municipalities which operated the program, compared with a 7% increase in other municipalities
%
75 5.4 Abstract The decrease in the rate of The number of suicides in Israel in 2016 per 100,000 suicide cases from 2006 people according to the World Health Organization. The to 2018 in the IDF since it corresponding figure in the world - 10.5 suicides per began to launch a dedicated 100,000 people suicide prevention program
45 Abstract | Implementation of National Suicide Prevention Program - Actions of Government Ministries 47 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Each of the government ministries participating in the national program must must program in the national participating ministries Each of the government objective, as a ministry adopt suicide prevention implement its components, work multi-year establish deal with this problem, to tools organizational develop groups cases of suicide within the population and examine on the issue, programs under its purview. the to the budget allocated utilize to sure make of Health must Ministry The of Ministry all partners. The set for its goals and tasks, which are for program manage and to rules on how of Finance with the Ministry establish Health must processes retrieval the information should also promote the joint budget. It utilize obtained. on the quality of data processes control improving suicide by to related the staff complete of Health must of Public Security and the Ministry Ministry The as being at those known by of weapons possession preventing to related work risk of suicide. Government ministries partnering with the National Suicide Prevention Program Program Suicide Prevention with the National partnering ministries Government and in the field, both the headquarters at collaborations regulate to work must for of care the continuum will ensure that a procedure establishing alia, by inter risk of suicide. at all populations learned with lessons of producing of Health should lead a process Ministry The also must It implemented. was program the how examine to ministries partner the the implementing in involved authorities and ministries partnering the all include of characteristics and needs unique the given municipalities, local the in program in its of suicide and suicide attempts and the rate each municipality's population vicinity.
The National Council for the Prevention of Suicide works regularly to gather knowledge knowledge gather to regularly Suicide works of Prevention the for Council National The also set up an inter- has District Haifa The in Israel. prevention on suicide and expertise Ministry of Health, the Ministry the from representatives includes that forum ministerial in the Organizations and the Health Maintenance of Welfare the Ministry of Education, risk of at of students in the treatment cooperate and to gaps bridge the to district, suicide. program The program. a suicide prevention 2006, the IDF has implemented Since the soldiers. the number of suicides among reduced significantly Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From May until October 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined the examined Office Comptroller's the State 2019, until October May From in program: the for ministries government the of implementation and preparation and of the organizational the management and operation of Health the Ministry and Welfare of Education, in the Ministries examined; was budget infrastructure under program the of the components implemented they the way Absorption, conducted were Supplementary examinations examined. was their responsibility of Prevention for Council the National the Police, of Public Security, the Ministry at working organizations nonprofit with met also team audit The IDF. the and Suicide service psychological to all educational a questionnaire in this field and distributed municipalities. managers in the local The Ministry of Health and the partner ministries have not formulated a procedure a procedure not formulated have of Health and the partner ministries Ministry The populations of variety a in caregivers the of treatment of continuity the ensure to of each and every clarify the responsibilities risk of suicide and to at who are and initial assessment - detection, its responsibility to authority according treatment. Since 2016, the Department of Education has stopped conducting investigation investigation conducting has stopped the Department of Education 2016, Since students. school by attempts suicide and incidents suicide regarding committees No measures have yet been completed to reduce the accessibility of weapons to to of weapons the accessibility reduce to been completed yet have No measures applying are risk of suicide - whether they at about being with information anyone renewal. for a license time or applying the first for license a for the not adopted have partner in the program that ministries government The and goals of the ministry, transnational of the as one of suicide prevention subject these ministries. of in the ongoing work the subject to no priority has been given formulate not did of Immigration and the Ministry of Social Affairs Ministry The prevention and did not develop data plans, did not collect and work practices work their responsibility, in populations the among perspective a broad with programs risk of suicide. at who are The management and utilization of the budget was not regulated for the national the national for not regulated of the budget was management and utilization The all its partners. During the program use by for intended which was program, budget of the the total of Health reduced the Ministry - 2019, period, in 2014 an original budget of NIS 110 budget (from 54% of its dedicated by program the to reduced was that the budget share transferred NIS 51 million). It million to did not meet the budget the Ministry of the Ministry; budget of other programs of the partner ministries. requirements The Ministry of Health, as the program leader, established a suicide prevention a suicide prevention established leader, of Health, as the program Ministry The the convene regularly forums, but it did not on intra-office unit and operated in cooperation and did not formulate team and the inter-ministerial team steering The the program. run plan to work a multi-year with the partnering ministries, of Health alone the Ministry made by were program decisions on the annual work without the other partners involved.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
Dealing with the topic of suicide is complex and requires collaboration from all partners. In order to work to reduce the rate of suicide as is common in the countries of the world and in the IDF, government ministries must work to coordinate work routines and establish organizational procedures that include work arrangements, reporting deadlines, convening operative forums, budget transfer, and building a dispute resolution mechanism - all this while providing transparency and information transfer between ministries. These actions will ensure a more powerful and effective suicide State Comptroller and Ombudsman prevention strategy. Annual Report 70B | 2020 Number of suicides in Israel, by risk groups, 2010 - 2017 Government Preparedness for Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Local Municipalities - Smart Cities Initiative
Abstract
Number of suicides Gender – male Gender – female Elderly men and women Male and female immigrants to Israel Divorced men and women Youth
According to the Ministry of Health’s data, adapted by the State Comptroller’s Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Government Preparedness for Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Local Municipalities - Smart Cities Initiative
Abstract
Background
Many local municipalities in Israel seek to adapt to the digital age and use technology to develop the urban space, streamline their operations and improve service for residents. Alongside their benefits, the use of advanced technologies is fraught with real risks, some irreversible, in the areas of privacy, information security and cyber protection. In recent years, the Israeli government has also recognized the importance of technological advances by local municipalities and the challenges inherent in making them 'smart', and has made several government decisions to advance the field of smart cities in Israel.
Key figures
90% 257 95 Of Israel's population lives Local Municipalities in Information Systems in urban areas Israel Administrators in Local Municipalities1
NIS 50 million NIS 211 million NIS 82 billion Allocated by the Ministry Allocated between 2015 The aggregate budget of for the Development of the and 2018 by Digital Israel local municipalities in Israel Periphery, the Negev and Headquarters to Promote in 20172 the Galilee for the “Smart Smart Cities Periphery” project Abstract
1 Based on Interior Ministry data, as of February 2019. 2 The budget includes both regular budget and special budgetary allocations based on the data of the Central Bureau of Statistics.
51 abstract | Government Preparedness for Implementation of Advanced Technologies 53 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Promoting a broad initiative for establishment of basic digital infrastructures: of basic digital infrastructures: establishment for initiative a broad Promoting Initiative Israel Digital the National a significant portion of Until July 2019, - 2018 for proposals for a call pursuant to local municipalities to commitments about NIS 44 million, only about budget of Of the total not actualized. were 2020, municipalities local municipalities; of the 231 paid to in fact 3.4 million (8%) were support within the aforementioned budget for a commitment received that their proposals. with through (21%) went only 49 proposasl, for request smart city": In "cyber-protected a model for as decision - Haifa Government of "smart and cyber- launch a model to decided the Government January 2017, nine months, within that determined it was end, that To Haifa. in city" protected would Equality, Social of Ministry the with together Directorate, Cyber National the cyber-protected and smart of field the in plan strategic integrated an formulate but the been carried out, have issue the promote to actions cities. As of July 2019, plan has not been finalized. In the threats: cyber against center and supervision of a control Establishment dealing with for center supervision and control is a there sector, government local government, to in regard does not exist such a center but events, cyber one. for the need despite
Preparing for cyber events: Given the emerging cyber-challenges and threats, the and threats, cyber-challenges the emerging Given events: cyber for Preparing the of Inte-rior, actions of the Ministry recent commends the Office Comptroller's State Directorate Cyber National the and Initiative Israel' 'Digital National the of Directorate events cyber monitor-ing for of a system the establishment and promote review to of function. their continuity ensure to in order in local municipalities taking place State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From March to August 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined aspects examined Office Comptroller's State the 2019, August to March From of smart cities of the field advancement for preparedness government to related audit The decisions on the issue. government of the central and implementation 'Digital of Directorate the and Equality Social of Ministry the at conducted was at Directorate Cyber National the Israel and of the Interior Ministry the Israel', at the conducted were examinations Supplementary Office. the Prime Minister's of Ministry the Authority, ICT Government the at Authority, Protection Privacy of Development the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry and Housing, Construction of the Survey Institute, the Standards and the Galilee, the Negev of the Periphery, the Federation of Communications, the Ministry Command, Front the Home Israel, and Haifa. municipalities of Be'er Sheva and the Authorities of Local Risks related to privacy protection, information security and cyber protection protection security and cyber information protection, privacy to Risks related the local with rests events dealing with cyber for responsibility aspects: The its capabilities to municipalities, each tackling the challenges and risks according some local municipali- In practice, of the issue. of the importance and awareness Authority, Protection Privacy The attacks. deal with cyber to not prepared ties are taking action to are Interior of the the Ministry and Directorate Cyber the National all the risks. address but this does not adequately help, The decisions made by the government to promote promote to the government decisions made by The Policy: a National Establishing level the national at plan an overall do not constitute the smart cities in Israel in situation defining the desired situation, is mapping of the existing there where far future. and opportunities in the near and this field, and identifying challenges team Initiative 'Digital Israel' and the National of the Interior the Ministry Recently, in digitization plan for strategic a national formulate begun taking action to have local government. Unlike the government sector in sector the government local municipalities: Unlike arm for Communication the local govern- authority operates, communications which the governmental in this body operating and binding central an integrating ment does not have inherent scale of economies of advantage take to difficult it is absence, its In area. with negotiations when conducting number of local municipalities, in the large solutions technological provide will that tenders conduct suppliers, to various used meet the standards the technologies that ensure municipalities, to all for adapt the and to of other municipalities the experience learn from to required, municipalities. of various residents solutions to Many government offices and public bodies are bodies and public offices government authority: Many Lack of integrating Sometimes in local municipalities. technologies implement advanced to working coordination without done is activity the or activities their in duplication is there standard. the required regarding example them, for between
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Audit in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit abstract | Government Preparedness for Implementation of Advanced Technologies 55 between between recruiting recruiting personnel technology technology Differences Differences Difficulty in high-quality of advanced of advanced technologies authorities in prioritizing the implementation implementation services A Rise in the Expectation of Expectation Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual the residents to to the residents Budget shortage standard of living standard advanced receive tools seniors Lack of among the authorities’ the potential the potential for advanced advanced for technological technological of digitization of digitization recognition of recognition processes and processes standardization standardization Lack of sufficient Lack of authorities prevention professional professional adjustments adjustments and duplication and duplication Lack of inclusive Lack of inclusive support for local support for factor for making for factor technologies in local authorities in technologies between between disparities Major challenges in implementing advanced advanced in implementing Major challenges Procurement Procurement processes that that processes for technology technology for authorities and are not adapted not adapted are Socio-economic Socio-economic implementations and bureaucracy and bureaucracy within authorities According to the Ministry of Interior’s data, adapted by the State Comptroller’s Office Comptroller’s the State by adapted data, of Interior’s the Ministry to According State Comptroller and Ombudsman and Comptroller State The State Comptroller's Office recommends that the Directorate of the National of the the Directorate that recommends Office Comptroller's State The difficulties what municipalities local with examine Initiative Israel Digital for request under the to fulfill their obligations it difficult and barriers make whether examine the Directorate that is also proposed It framework. proposals in technologies of advanced the implementation promoting model for the best and the proposal for of requests publication local municipalities is indeed the all municipalities. of budgets to distribution It is proposed that each of the entities - the Ministry of the Interior, the Privacy the Privacy of the Interior, the entities - the Ministry each of that It is proposed - carry out a risk assess- Directorate Cyber and the National Authority Protection of privacy in the areas the risks reduce to policies will help formulate ment that the that It is also proposed protection. security and cyber information protection, Strategic the National into be incorporated policy risk mitigation aforementioned the by being formulated is currently that government in local Digitization Plan for and Digital Israel. of the Interior Ministry It is proposed that a general government body be put in place to ensure that the that ensure to body be put in place government a general that It is proposed implement public bodies to and various ministries activities of the government in a done comprehensively, in local municipalities are technologies advanced pooling of resources. and cooperation with coordination, and prudent manner, ministries of government the work improve duplication, avoid help to may This areas. in various standard a high and uniform and ensure in of the Interior, the Ministry that recommends Office Comptroller's State The of the National Directorate the Government, Local for with the Center consultation whether there examine ICT Authority, and the Government Initiative 'Digital Israel' issues communication and with digitization deal body to a central for is room ICT the governmental similar to either be which would in local municipalities, within its framework. department or operate
The picture that emerges from this audit report necessitates governmental examination examination governmental necessitates this audit report from emerges that picture The advanced promoting in government central the of involvement the concerning outlining a vision, goals and the key need for in local municipalities. The technologies and local munici-palities are the State where will determine action that for directions of the state territory the limited given is especially so, This is clear. headed in this area triple double and even to is expected its population that and the assessment of Israel local municipalities and various gaps between the decades, and given in the coming long-term generating for area in this advantages existing of exploiting the importance change. positive for processes Summary Main Audit Recommendations Audit Main State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Chapter 2 Government Ministries State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Prime Minister’s Office Administrative Issues in Regard to the Prime Minister's Office
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Administrative Issues in Regard to the Prime Minister's Office
Abstract
Background
The Prime Minister's Office functions as a central coordinating body, providing assistance for the Prime Minister's activities and coordinating inter-ministerial activities in various fields, according to the Government's decisions and priorities set by the Prime Minister. The Head of the Office of the Prime Minister's Office is the Deputy Director General for Administration and Human Resources (the VP for Administration) who is responsible for the activities of several divisions and units.
Key figures
1,000 employees NIS 1.7 billion NIS 793 million In the Prime Minister's Office in Budget of the Prime The cost of goods and 2019 Minister’s Office services purchased by (including changes) in the Prime Minister's 2018 Office in 2018
44% 25% 12% Of the procurement in the Office Of the office Of the office in 2018 was exempted from procurement in 2018 procurement in 2018 was public tender pursuant to the was carried out through carried outthrough a law, mostly by virtue of these transactions with tender transactions being subsequent government bodies to existing transactions and contracts or contracts with funds operated by the Jewish Agency
Audit Actions From February until September 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined several issues related to the administration of the Prime Minister's Office: leaving senior positions vacant, the procurement process and decisions regarding Abstract exemption of procurement from the need for a public tender. The audit was conducted at the Prime Minister's Office. Supplementary examinations were conducted at the Civil Service Commission and the Ministry of Finance - at the Government Procurement Administration of the Accountant General.
61 Abstract | Administrative Issues in Regard to the Prime Minister's Office 63 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Prime Minister's Office must act to staff the position of VP of Administration, in Administration, position of VP of staff the to act must Office Prime Minister's The ap-pointment, the After guidelines. Commission Service Civil the with accordance powers of delegating the possibility should consider Commission the Civil Service reform man-agement with the outline of human capital accordance in the Office to in the civil service. work with the must Office of the Prime Minister's General Deputy Director The and the position of Vice the job description update to Commission Civil Service staff the position. regularly can the office so that if required, (Assets), President complete must Commission Service and the Civil the Prime Minister of Office The establishment Division and the Procurement Head of of the procedures the staffing the to response proper a provide to order in Unit, Procurement Central the of this field. in work Ministry's until the staffing as stated, procurement in of powers the concentration Regarding Prime the positions, Division Procurement of Head and Administration of VP of of the and separations control for examine alternatives must Office Minister's regarding Commissioner decision of the Civil Service with the duties, in accordance control of the residences Full implementation procurement. for the responsibility a developing consider It is advisable to should also be implemented. procedure procedure. control within the residence of outlays rates set of relevant
Main Audit Recommendations Audit Main State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State - Over the years, the Directors of the Directors the years, - Over in the Procurement of Powers Concentration process procurement to the related responsibilities various imposed the Office of the Budget Department, who upon the Director Office the Prime Minister's at for management budget, the management of the Office's for became responsible unit itself; she also management of the procurement and for projects of various and the authorized Committee Tender the Office of as the chairperson served were powers These is unique. Office the Prime Minister's In this respect, signatory. periods during alia, inter Department, Budget the of Director the of hands the in residence the these circumstances, Under not staffed. when the VP positions were the Budget Department manager not fully implemented: was procedure control with the manager in coordination directly capacity, in an operational both served (due as well responsible becoming capacity, and in an oversight of the residence, all procurement; of field the for responsibilities) additional assigned being her to no Also, procedure. administrative relevant with the not in accordance of this was established. supervision was alternative - The employee who filled the position was who filled the position employee - The and Assets) VP (Operations staff the did not the office until his retirement, years three suspended, and for but appointed, was a VP (Assets) 2018, In December temporarily. position, even than as a permanent appointment. rather substitute only as a temporary 2016 in already recognized were Unit - Although difficulties Procurement Central and the Office the Prime Minister's management in procurement to in regard unit, procurement a central establish the decision to took General then-Director with Commission the Civil Service presented the Office that only in 2019 it was including the job unit, procurement of the central structure the organizational and only in February the head of the unit and his or her powers, description for staff the position. to tender issue a Office Prime Minister's did the 2020, - For about three years, the Prime Minister's Office did not fill Office Minister's the Prime years, three about - For VP of Administration which is a vital position Administration, - the position of VP of temporarily - even for to staff the position Failure functioning of the office. the full and efficient for obtaining from Office Prime Minister's the prevents period of time a prolonged in the field powers and management executive Commission the Civil Service from capital management reform management as part of the human of human capital in the civil service.
The State Comptroller's Comptroller's State - The in the Office Processes of Procurement In-depth Examination by the Prime being undertaken currently examination commends the in-depth Office process. procurement to the regard in Office Minister's commends Office Comptroller's State - The Committee of the Exemption Work The work in light of the committee's in the Office the Prime Minister's the change made by in joint discussions convene to began committee the audit findings - in January 2020, policies unit. of the financial and economic with the provisions accordance The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
The Prime Minister's Office functions as a central coordinating body that is responsible for managing government activities, for major socio-economic issues, for important projects and for assisting government ministries. To this end, the State employs about 1,000 employees in the office and purchases services and products totaling NIS 800 million a year. For several years, the Prime Minister's Office did not fill two key executive positions at the headquarters of the Ministry, including the Deputy Director of Administration and Human Resources. It is appropriate that the deficiencies raised in this report be first and foremost corrected through the filling of key positions in the administrative system of the office and through the implementation of the decision State Comptroller and Ombudsman to establish a central purchasing unit, to remove difficulties that may arise due to Annual Report 70B | 2020 concentration of powers by one party.
The organizational structure of the Administration in the Office of the Prime Minister Civil Service Commission CEO Spearheading Senior VP Administration and Human Resources Human Capital Management in the Planning, Operations and Assets Coordination Welfare Information Human (construction, Budgets and and Technology Resources properties, projects Organization warehouses, farms) Civil Service Source: Prime Minister's Office. Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Spearheading Human Capital Management in the Civil Service
Abstract
Background
The Civil Service Commission is the organization responsible for the planning and management of human capital and organizational system in the civil service. In its decision in June 2013, the government adopted the report of the Reform Commission to improve the human resource mechanisms in the civil service, whose main recommendations were to institutionalize human resources planning processes in government agencies; a shift from centralized management by the Civil Service Commission to decentralizing powers among governmental bodies and increasing their administrative flexibility and functional independence; and converting the Civil Service Commission to a body focused on outlining policy and control over government agencies.
Key figures
83,000 265 NIS 138 million Number of employees Number of employees Budget of Civil Service employed in the civil service, in the Civil Service Commission in 2019 in 78 government agencies, Commission in 2019 in 2019
77% 26% Proportion of government Proportion of agencies (including government agencies approximately 73% of civil (including approximately service employees) which 15% of civil service had not yet been assigned employees) which had powers in the realm of not yet been assigned workplace organization, as of powers in the realm of July 2019 individual personnel, as of July 2019 Abstract
67 Abstract | Spearheading Human Capital Management in the Civil Service 69 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Civil Service Commission must follow the Government's 2013 decision to fully decision to 2013 the Government's follow must Commission Civil Service The changes make to of powers delegation concerning report implement the reform all the tasks set a timetable for and to structure, organizational workplace to in implementing the reform. involved the Civil Service for proposal the budget formulate must Budget Division The aligns with the that in a way with the Commissioner in coordination Commission of the principles basic the and with Commission Service Civil of the activities allocated priorities and budgetary resources the government's subject to reform, of the the budget proposal present also Budget Division must The the issue. to of the approval the time of at approval government for Commission Civil Service each working the beginning of bodies - and before all government budget by year. full standard theory or policy documents in the core areas of human capital of areas in the core documents or policy theory full standard powers the standardized has not yet and service, in the civil management units in resources for the human qualifications development and professional bodies. government The Civil Service Commission core budget for 2015 - 2019 averaged NIS 81.5 NIS averaged 2019 - 2015 for budget core Commission Service Civil The regard the tasks in complete to necessary resources the reflect million and did not NIS extra an Planning Department approved the each year, During reform. the to considerable as well as Commission, Service Civil the for average on million 34 of manner This positions. employment specific finance to additions budgetary Commission capacity of the Civil Service impair the administrative may operation lead the reform. and its ability to
Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit At the end of 2018 and early 2019, the Commissioner initiated the establishment of the establishment initiated Commissioner the and early 2019, the end of 2018 At management human resource to relating issues key promote to teams work several action must and controlled consistent continuous, In this regard, in the civil service. procedures, of the examination summation positive ensure to - all in order be taken of their implementation. decision making and monitoring for system computerized use an advanced to has started Commission Civil Service The interfaces the working which records bodies (CRM), managing inquiries of government Service the Civil agencies. However, and government Commission Civil Service between it will enable that in the system adjustments any completed has not yet Commission commitment in the service within the time periods stipulated compliance monitor to agencies. government from requests to response regarding that revealed 2019 November in Office Comptroller's the State by conducted A review agencies government from Commission the Civil Service by received 83% of requests the time at However, respond. to days of 10 average an took 2019 in June - September open, and still during the said months were submitted 17% of applications of testing, 53 was the time of testing up to open applications time for processing the average days. State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In February - July 2019, the State Comptroller's Office reviewed the actions of actions the reviewed Office Comptroller's State the 2019, July - February In in the civil management lead human capital to Commission Service the Civil the Civil Service including: delegating issues, included several review The service. their activities; agencies and controlling government to powers Commission's human resource of the and planning; regulation policy a long-term establishing carried out in the Civil audit was The in the civil service. management system the Ministry carried out at were and supplementary reviews Commission, Service Division and the Department Budget - the of Finance Ministry of Health and the General. of the Accountant The Civil Service Commission has carried out preliminary actions for multi-year multi-year actions for has carried out preliminary Commission Civil Service The plan, multi-year of a the establishment completed planning, but has not yet The disputes between two regulators - the Ministry of Health and the Civil Service Service Civil the and Health of Ministry the - regulators two between disputes The pillar of in implementing a central of the delay the root at - are Commission (the health system government in the reform management human capital the which employs organization), of workplace in the realm of powers delegation agreement an 2020, January in However, employees. service civil all of 40% about Commission the Civil Service of Health and the Ministry between reached was of the positions fill to authority - the components key one of the regarding in the medical centers. institute of a large and director department director The Civil Service Commission has not yet completed the treatment of eight (29%) the treatment completed has not yet Commission Civil Service The project, formulation policy of Knowledge" included in the "Tree of the issues paths; of career formulation the policy: to central are that including issues their of establishment and system care health the to personnel of recruitment employer. as a competitive civil service and position of the status; In the realm of workplace organization, the Civil Service Commission has not yet has not yet Commission the Civil Service organization, of workplace In the realm bodies (77%), and the delegation government 60 of the 78 to powers delegated an applying to not manner, limited and technical a relatively of was performed conditions of the threshold approval importance: and substantive of central area posts. of senior civil service staffing the for The Civil Service Commission has so far implemented the reform only partially, only partially, the reform implemented has so far Commission Civil Service The tasks and without of the various of performance tracking without a systematized schedule. with their implementation in accordance ensuring their completion yet has not Commission of individual personnel, the Civil Service In the realm agencies, governmental 26%) of the 78 20 (approximately to powers delegated beyond of their employment and extension employees the hiring of to in regard bodies (not about half of the government For age. retirement the mandatory has granted Commission which the Civil Service to including the health system) partially lacking in content. is actually delegation the hiring authority,
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
The Civil Service Commission must work to complete the normative infrastructure of human resource management in the civil service, inter alia, to formulate policy in the full range of management areas; to establish clear rules for the management of the workplace organization; to promote long term human resource planning; and to promote and complete the occupational analysis process of thousands of jobs. The Civil Service Commission must work to improve the operation of the referral system, to provide efficient and professional service to government agencies, and to ensure that decisions are made on the basis of a uniform policy that is anchored in a set of rules and guidelines and must work to complete the regulation of Human Resources units in government agencies. State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020 Summary
The findings of this audit report indicate that the Civil Service Commission must deal Ministry of Finance with significant challenges that call for practical actions. The Civil Service Commission has not yet implemented key elements of the human capital management reform in the civil service. The Civil Service Commission, which is the professional body State Balance responsible for managing human resources in the civil service, must work to complete the implementation of the basic principles of the reform, which were approved by government decision, to set definite and binding deadlines and to follow them. Sheet as of 31.12.18 - Investments The change required in the work of the Civil Service Commission in the field of delegation and control in Projects in Collaboration with the Private Sector Government bodies Abstract
Civil Service Commission
Delegation of powers to Civil Service Commission government bodies and Civil involvement in the ongoing Service Commission control over management of government the implementation of delegated bodies powers Annual Report 70B | 2020
State Balance Sheet as of 31.12.18 - Investments in Projects in Collaboration with the Private Sector
Abstract
Background
Projects in partnership with the private sector (Public-Private Partnerships - PPP) are designed to provide infrastructure, products or services to the public through the private sector, utilizing the partners' relative advantage and through efficient allocation of risks and sources to derive value from them. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of projects set up according to this model in various areas, amounting to tens of billions of shekels. The projects contributed greatly to the development of infrastructure in the center of the country and in the periphery.
Key figures
NIS 32.2 billion NIS 27 billion NIS 60 billion The amount of the The balance of The expected investment cumulative investment by outstanding financial scope in implementing the State in PPP projects commitments for the PPP projects for (less depreciation) according establishment and infrastructure promotion to the Government's operation of PPP in the coming years, consolidated financial projects according according to the statements as of 31.12.18 to the government's Accountant General's consolidated financial estimate statements as of 31.12.18 27 32 The number of existing The number of PPP projects at various stages of PPP projects as of the end construction and planning, as of the time of the of the audit, in the areas audit, in the areas of transport (8), water (3), energy of transport (6), water (5), (2), construction (17) and environment (2) energy (3) and construction (13) Abstract
73 abstract | State Balance Sheet as of 31.12.18 - Investments in Projects 75 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Minister of Finance must decide on the identity of the entity that will manage decide on the identity of the entity that must of Finance Minister The and responsibilities the define and State, the by tenders PPP in engagement the manager. body and the project authority of the organizing of knowledge the consolidation promote should team oversight accompanying The process implementation a mandatory through entities government in accumulated documents. tender including the use of standard ministries, government all for that procedure a uniform creating also consider managers must contract The which will include all the components the whole government, will be used by check the best to testing the conformity in conducting be considered must that incorporate to including how a project, and operating establishing method for being tested. the project to them according consider must Office General’s Accountant the and Department Budget The present to how including transparency, investment increase to rules applying all from derived financial obligations of all of the outstanding data aggregate period), contract the whole throughout and flow project by (determined projects secrets, while maintaining trade returns of publishing investor and the possibility in other countries. as is customary The Ministry of Finance - in collaboration with the various Government Ministries Ministries Government with the various - in collaboration of Finance Ministry The includes that strategy investment of a national the formulation promote - must investment plan for it, the work From growth. economic support future to priorities each the Government to and will be presented will be derived, in PPP projects budgetary implications. including its year, - It was found that the State State the that found - It was experience past weighing mechanism for Lack of a accumulated experience the past weigh would that a mechanism not formulate did behavior unwanted deter to in a manner designed licensees, with the in working will meet they that the likelihood increase and to projects in future on their part undertaken. and budgets as schedules
- The use of the PPP model allows allows use of the PPP model - The of projects a variety model into the PPP Integrating cutting-edge private incorporating projects of of the creation the acceleration for facilities. such as desalination technologies, sector Office Minister's Prime The - List Projects Infrastructure National of Formulation and projects infrastructure national of future a list formulate to an initiative promoted plan does not include all the However, investors. international to made them available promote to agencies outside from fundraising hamper could which data, required the goals. the government's which is one of infrastructure, Recommendations Main Audit State Comptroller and Ombudsman and Comptroller State From February to September 2019, the State Comptroller's Office reviewed reviewed Office Comptroller's State the 2019, September to February From the with partnership in projects in management investment to related aspects Division General's Accountant carried out in the was review The sector. private the in and Division Projects and the Infrastructure in - Finance of Ministry the of Ltd.; Company Insurance - in Inbal Administration; Construction Government carried out were Supplementary examinations Defense. of and in the Ministry of Budget (Budget Department Finance's of the Ministry the Bank of Israel, at (the Capital Authority and Savings Insurance Market, the Capital Department), Minister's the Prime Authority, Companies the Government Authority), Market the of the Interior, Ministry the Road Safety, and Transport of Ministry the Office, Ltd. Highway TransIsrael and at Authority the Water Police, Israel - The exemption of foreign banks from the obligation to to the obligation banks from of foreign exemption - The uncertainty Regulatory this in time); (limited directive a temporary by established was a license, receive to credit grant to banks will be reluctant countries' foreign that concerns raises of in the framework in infrastructure including investment in Israel, businesses PPP projects. Checking conformity for implementation of PPP based on unverified data data of PPP based on unverified implementation for Checking conformity such con- for and without important components assumptions and incorrect conducting the adjustment found in been have flaws - Cumulative tests formity a lack assessments, notably a lack of integrative bias their results, may that tests streamlining use of unrelated comparisons, and international of sensitivity tests to unique costs transaction of and the omission rates and discount coefficients PPP. Lack of full transparency in regard to ongoing government financial obligations financial obligations ongoing government to in regard Lack of full transparency billions of NIS in the amount of for PPP projects - Ongoing financial obligations out spread are Payments of all decision makers. the attention to not brought are of the importance despite length of the contract, to period relative a limited over period. for the entire fiscal discipline - The - The knowledge and lack of consolidated collaborations Lack of regulated in PPP contracts state-owned the management of for main bodies responsible and there documents tender do not use standard managers) (contract projects including with them in these matters, between coordination is no standardized of tenders managing the timing of publication the learning process, to regard Such of interest. of a conflict in the face conduct for and outlining guidelines of scale. utilizing economies by costs can reduce collaboration - The government ministries, led by the led by ministries, government - The strategy investment Lack of national that strategy investment a national not formulated have of Finance, Ministry government's the support will which projects, various the prioritizing includes economic the country's for is essential that infrastructure promote ability to growth.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Audit in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit abstract | State Balance Sheet as of 31.12.18 - Investments in Projects 77 16.433
Transportation 4.183
Water Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 2.174 1.998 0.689
Public buildings 6.711
Solar energy according to the operating body distributed by sectors by body distributed the operating to according - 2.000 8.000 6.000 4.000 12.000 18.000 16.000 14.000 10.000
Infrastructure and Projects Division and Projects Infrastructure Ministry of Defense Ministry Construction Administration Construction NIS billions NIS Investment in projects in partnership with private sectors as of 31.12.18, as of 31.12.18, sectors with private in partnership in projects Investment According to the government's consolidated financial statements for 2018, adapted by the State by the adapted for 2018, statements financial consolidated the government's to According State Comptroller and Ombudsman and Comptroller State The Budget Department and the Accountant General’s Office must examine the examine must Office General’s Accountant and the Budget Department The their reduce to PPP projects finance to the partner sectors of sources mix of capital throughout expenses project for responsibility continuous while ensuring cost, by of funds managed volume of the large in view In addition, their operation. examine of Finance Ministry the that bodies, it is recommended institutional in projects in local infrastructure investment encourage to of tools the creation to the contributing alongside for investors enable benefit maximization to order of the economy. development
Projects in partnership with the private sectors are of great importance in promoting in promoting importance of great are sectors the private in partnership with Projects indicate report the in emerged that findings The fields. various in infrastructure state in order level the government at will function as coordinator decide who the need to the activities of the to improve and level at the national maximum benefits realize to standardized and undertakings. Establishing such projects for bodies responsible in in this model will enable investment out projects carrying principles for working in channels investment diverse while creating be increased to projects infrastructure Formalizing the years. over growth economic the country's and assisting the economy the benefits examining properly after the outline is implemented that ensure to steps in maximizing the partners' will result alternatives possible to of engagement in relation It will also ensure resources. of risks and and efficient allocation advantages relative is maximized. implementing these projects in invested on public capital the return that Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Finance Follow Up Audit State Pension Agreements
Abstract Abstract | Follow Up Audit State Pension Agreements 81 % 18,966 NIS 9.53 The average pension average The who officers to payment the IDF in 2018. from retired of the Ministry to According the amount is NIS Finance, 19,844 The average rate of increase of increase rate average The granted in pension rates to IDF the Chief of Staff by the average in 2018; retirees The 8.89%. was in 2017 rate decline in to is expected rate the retrenchment due to 2019 age from of the retirement the IDF. Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 62 The retirement age of women according according age of women retirement The the average in OECD countries, the law; to labor the entering age of women retirement 65.8 is approximately today market billion 1.1 46 The average retirement retirement average The the IDF in 2018 age from The payment made in payment The the to according 2018 of Finance Ministry due all IDF retirees to pension increases to the Chief of by granted Staff NIS billion million 24 12,000 7.8 Key figures Key Background NIS attributed annual cost The pension increases to the Chief of by granted in retirees IDF to Staff the IDF. to according 2017, the Ministry to According the amount is of Finance, NIS 38 billion NIS 'bridge' pension payment Average from retiring officers paid monthly to an to according the IDF in 2025, (at 2015 November from agreement prices) 2015 IDF Retirement Budget in IDF Retirement 2018 Follow Up Audit State Pension Pension State Up Audit Follow Agreements Abstract pension on "State published a report Comptroller the State 2016, In October the pension system to related of issues dealt with a variety report The agreements". Comptroller's the State of the issue, importance the great Given of Israel. in the State three significant in deficiencies of correction the check on a spot conducted Office regard in the Chief of Staff by approved the increases in the report: emerged that areas and IDF retirees pension to of a 'bridge' payment IDF retirees; for pension rates to and of accounts; balance state's in the financial obligations of the relevant registration women. age for the retirement not raising NIS State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State Abstract | Follow Up Audit State Pension Agreements 83 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Given the significant impact of the Chief of Staff's pension increases and the and Staff's pension increases impact of the Chief of the significant Given in the security budget, the of pension payments 'bridge' pensions on the extent Comptroller's the State actuarial liability, budget and the Government's State collaboratively work of Finance the IDF and the Ministry that recommends Office aspects of these issues. the economic to in regard consensus a substantial reach to the the Prime Minister, before be brought must the matter If this does not help, decide on the them to for order in of Defense and the Minister of Finance Minister budget. In budget and the IDF's multi-year on the State in the discussions issue decision if a future that it is expected so far, of the issue of the continuation view it will be adopted in this matter, is required Attorney of the State or decision without delay. of Israel General and the Attorney of Finance the Ministry of Defense, Ministry The on the purpose of implementing regulations for the discussions complete must so retirees, to advances of payment the on decision a make and pensions 'bridge' before will be brought this government, new the of the establishment with that, settle the matter. to the Ministers transmit act to and the IDF must of Defense the Ministry of Finance, Ministry The of IDF retirees. the retirement regarding data and complete mutual information examine of Finance the Ministry that recommends Office Comptroller's State The with the Government's women, age for of the retirement the issue advance to ways the is due to This formulation. policy its complete and to establishment, expected the actions to and especially with regard of the issue, implications widespread the deficit of the old pension funds included in the agreement. due to required - According to a document to pension - According of the 'bridge' as part payments Advance the IDF of Justice, the Ministry of Branch Advisory Legal the by promulgated (as them pay to continues and retirees for of monetary advances level sets the with the coordination pension) without of the 'bridge' on account an advance situation a temporary turns of advances payment Continued of Finance. Ministry the retirees. for uncertainty one and creates long-term a into since and law, the with accordance In - women for age retirement the Raising the Finance before his recommendations make did not of Finance the Minister the June 2019, 62. In set to was women age for retirement the Committee, age retirement women's that stating law a draft promulgated of Finance Ministry raise to Failure expectancy. life to then be adjusted 65 and rise to gradually would of the old balance alia, the actuarial inter affects, women age for the retirement agreement. pension funds in the
Chief of Staff Pension Increases - IDF has taken steps to address the audit findings to address steps - IDF has taken Pension Increases Chief of Staff rules new it established Among other things, report. in the previous emerged that that criteria These rules set new Chief of Staff. the made by the increases regarding the 19% rate to 10% (compared up to retirees to of increase limit the maximum rate of the the head that then). In addition, the IDF also reported until customary was that each increase. individually confirms Directorate Manpower Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The follow-up audit examined: the pension increases approved by the Chief of the by approved pension increases the examined: audit follow-up The registration and retirees IDF to of a 'bridge' pension ; payment retirees for IDF Staff and not of accounts; balance State's in the financial obligations of the relevant audited the audit, of the part as addition, In women. for age retirement the raising Comptroller's State and the Office Prime Minister's the to given bodies' reports deficiencies rectify the to actions taken to the regard examined with were Office at the was carried out review The report. case in the previous specified in their and the IDF. of Defense the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry - The Ministry of Finance of Finance Ministry 'bridge' pensions - The concerning Enacting regulations 'bridge' regarding regulations enacted not yet have of Defense and the Ministry law set by the date since passed have years than two though more pensions, even their enactment. for - The IDF continues to present present to IDF continues - The of Information and Transmission Transparency for those who only payments increases of the Chief of Staff as the annual cost 20171),in million annual actual the while 24 NIS (approximately year that retired in the IDF includes the payments increases the Chief of Staff for expenditure the billion. At NIS 1.1 totaling years, previous from of retirees of the increases of relevant the transfer completed has not yet General the Accountant same time, the IDF. to the actuarial cost the method of calculating regarding information examine to a joint team established of Finance Although the IDF and the Ministry the bodies, the between and data of information and transfer the transparency partial. them is still between of information transfer - The new rules, which include setting include which rules, new The - Increases Staff of Chief the for Rules New of 19%) rate of the maximum 10% (instead to rate the maximum incremental IDF to According 1.4.17. after began permanent service those who will apply to released, and should be NCO’s and older IDF officers years, the coming in reports, for will qualified are they them the increases apply to the rules that to according towards only be reflected to appears likely change in the increases The be higher. of these servants. the retirement after 2030, - From 2015 to 2018, the average of the Chief of the average 2018, to 2015 - From Increases of Chief of Staff Rate statistic this is a However, 0.73%. by about increased retirees for increases Staff by the widespread but is influenced situation, steady a does not reflect that for the process made as part of soldiers, which was of older professional dismissal the IDF's age regression, and model soldier professional the new implementing in 2019. decrease to is expected and the amount of the increase The issue of the regulation of the Chief of Staff pension increases has not been increases pension Chief of Staff of the of the regulation issue The been enacted 'bridge' pension have the regarding and no regulations resolved, of Staff the Chief regarding years has been going on for that dispute - The has not been resolved of Finance, Ministry the IDF and the between increases, IDF for pension 'bridge' the regarding enacted been yet not have regulations and retirees.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
Pension savings are intended to be a major source of income after retirement. It is undisputed that IDF retirees, who for years worked for the security of the State, are entitled to a fair and proper pension. It is important that the many years of disagreement between the IDF and the Ministry of Finance on these issues, as well as the regulation of data transparency, come to their resolution as soon as possible. The continuous rise in life expectancy requires an examination of the proper model for raising women's retirement age, with an eye as well to practice in other countries. State Comptroller and Ombudsman
The main findings of the follow up audit Annual Report 70B | 2020
State pension arrangements – The main follow-up Audit findings Ministry of Construction and The degree of deficiency correction as Audit The deficiency in the emerged from the follow-up audit Housing chapter audit report Not Slightly Mostly Fully corrected corrected corrected corrected The absence of a clear Purchase and Sale Chief of General Staff procedure of Public Housing Unsettled dispute between the IDF and Increases the Ministry of Finance Apartments by Chief on the Chief of General of General Staff’s powers Staff Abstract Presentation of the financial costs of the increases in a manner that does not provide the true, full picture Implementation of the principles agreement between the Ministry of Defense and the Bridge IDF and the Ministry of pension Finance in the law Failure to enact the bridge pension regulations Failure to promote the Retirement increase in retirement age age of women Annual Report 70B | 2020
Purchase and sale of public housing apartments
Abstract
Background
The State aid system in the housing sector is a key component of the protective safety net that the State deploys for weaker populations within society. The system includes public housing apartments that the State rents out indefinitely to eligible persons for a subsidized rent. The Ministry of Construction and Housing is responsible for managing the stock of public housing, including the purchase and sale of apartments to tenants by virtue of the Public Housing (Acquisition Rights) Law, 1998 (hereinafter - the Law), primarily through Amidar, the National Housing Corporation in Israel Ltd. For a few decades, the amount of public housing apartments has been shrinking, mainly because the State has sold more apartments to tenants than it purchased. At the same time, the number of eligible people waiting for a public apartment has increased as has the waiting time for apartments.
Key figures
53,000 42,000 NIS 3.2 billion Apartments in the Public Tenants are entitled The value of the discounts Housing Database in 2019 by law to purchase the granted by the State to compared to about 60,000 public apartment in tenants who purchased apartments, about 5 years which they live (2019) their apartments under the earlier, in 2014 Law from 2014 until the end of 2019 (approximately 10,000 apartments were purchased)
NIS 3.4 billion 3,700 31 months The cost of the 2,600 Eligible persons waiting The average amount of apartments purchased for for public housing in time the tenants who public housing from 2014 to 2019 moved into public housing 2019 in 2019 waited for a public apartment Abstract
87 Abstract | Purchase and Sale of Public Housing Apartments 89 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Ministry of Construction should periodically review the mix of housing should periodically review of Construction Ministry The the eligible, the needs of between balance while maintaining the proper purchases, of the purchased dispersion of the public housing and the costs the necessary apartments. allocation the maximum will allow that measures consider to It is recommended reduce to in order tenders, Price” “Buyer’s of public apartments in the upcoming viability of the projects maintain the economic the gaps on the one hand and to on the other. the expanding consider of Construction the Ministry that It is recommended under only in assets promotes it currently that projects of urban renewal initiation companies, housing other by managed as assets well as management, Amidar efficiency. and economic of feasibility alia on considerations based inter it is taking to the steps advance to continue must of Construction Ministry The vacant are the apartments, such as selling apartments that of the potential realize housing. public for apartments buy to proceeds the using and market free the in of moving in depth the possibility examine to the Ministry for It is also worthwhile the number of persons in to a smaller apartment, which is adapted into tenants the apartment. entitled to the families It is recommended that the Ministry of Construction examine the possibility of the possibility examine of Construction Ministry the that recommended It is public do not have currently in localities that public apartments even purchasing in a public apartment can live those eligible in these communities housing, so that socio- low with especially in communities reside, in the locality in which they It is live. populations minority and ultra-Orthodox where clusters economic those solutions to immediate providing also consider the ministry that proposed in their apartment a suitable offered are they until their hardship reduce to eligible of residence. place work with the staff renew of Construction the Ministry that It is recommended in those for plan action national a formulate to bodies government relevant the check strategically to alia, it is recommended Inter need of housing assistance. economic the example for issue, this on professionals the by raised aspects the rental such as increasing versus alternatives, of holding public housing efficiency about reducing the opinions of the professionals as examining as well assistance, the number of apartments.
In recent years, the Ministry of Construction has begun to work more strongly in strongly more work begun to has of Construction Ministry the years, In recent the housing for of public stock in its inherent the potential realize to ways several rented had public bodies which of evacuation the including of those eligible, benefit the benefit of eligible of housing for needs and the transfer various the apartments for tenants. the apartments to of selling in the process taken actions were several Amidar, At of level of the apartments and the of the value the determination regarding tenants, and in accordance required been carried out as have to found and were the discounts, this issue. regarding guidelines with the ministry's Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From February to August 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined aspects examined aspects Office Comptroller's the State 2019, August to February From in tenants to as sale well apartments as of public housing of the purchase get to of Construction the Ministry by actions taken with the law, accordance and the implementation of public housing, stock existing out of the the most The of public housing. the stock increase to actions taken of decisions and and Amidar. of Construction Ministry the at conducted were examinations in the of Finance: the Ministry out in carried were examinations Supplementary Lands the Israel Authority, National Housing and the Office General's Accountant and Absorption. of Immigration and the Ministry Authority, Although about a third of tenants who enter public housing each year (an average (an average public housing each year who enter of tenants Although about a third tenants to the Ministry sent by the letters immigrants, new of about 600) are in Hebrew written their apartment, are purchase them of the right to informing only. (about apartment the purchase to right their exercise not did tenants Most - 2019 2014 but during the period between eligible in 2019, were tenants 42,000 the of end the of as this, despite purchased); were apartments 10,000 about only this. for the reasons had not examined of Construction audit, the Ministry In 2018, a government decision established an inter-ministerial team headed by by headed team an inter-ministerial established decision government a 2018, In including representatives and Construction of Ministry the of General Director the and other government Lands Authority Israel the of Finance, of the Ministry of public the stock increase an action plan to recommend to bodies, in order the Government to a recommendation did not make housing.. In the end, the team among its members. disagreement due to as required, of public the stock expanding aimed at has made decisions Although the State allocating tenders, Price” apartments in “Buyer’s housing, such as: allocating the for urban renewal initiating from received will be that the proceeds part of State under apartments abandoned using and apartments purchasing of purpose housing the to added be to expected apartments of addition the - administration existing to 200 apartments - is small compared - about years in the coming stock meet the needs of only 4.5% of to and is expected (about 0.4%) housing stock public housing. for those waiting The Ministry does not purchase apartments in localities where there is presently is presently there where apartments in localities does not purchase Ministry The such as is low, index socio-economic cities whose including housing, no public in these the needy population prevents This and Rahat. Modi'in Illit, Umm al-Fahm housing in their city public their eligibility for exercise being able to localities from public in localities with live do if they able to as eligible persons are of residence, housing.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
The Ministry must act to make the information available to tenants regarding their eligibility to purchase the apartments, including through advising them in their language and strengthening the interface with them. The Ministry should check whether bureaucratic barriers to eligibility exist and if barriers do exist, should work to remove them.
Summary
Between 2014 - 2019, the government took steps to increase the stock of public State Comptroller and Ombudsman housing apartments. However, the expected increase in housing in the coming years is Annual Report 70B | 2020 not going to meet existing needs. As a result, there is a growing need for the Ministry of Construction to complete the inter-ministerial team’s work to formulate a broader and more diverse response for those eligible for public housing and work to implement the decisions on the matter. Ministry of Health
The number of public apartments purchased by the Ministry of Construction And the number of apartments it sold to tenants, Reform for 2014 - 2019 the Transfer of
2,500 2,344 Responsibility for 2,060 Insurance in Regard 2,000 1,763 to Mental Health 1,457 1,500 1,393 Abstract
1,051 964 1,000
623 424 500 330 270
5 0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Number of apartments purchased
Number of apartments sold
According to the Ministry of Construction’s data, adapted by the State Comptroller’s Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Reform for the Transfer of Responsibility for Insurance in Regard to Mental Health
Abstract
Background
In July 2015, the third mental health reform came into effect, focused on the transfer of insurance coverage from the State to the four Health Maintenance Organizations: Klalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit. Until then, the State provided the services primarily in psychiatric hospitals and mental health clinics. The goals of the reform include, inter alia, expanding the accessibility and availability of services, improving the quality of the treatment and reducing the stigma attached to mental health patients. In 2018, the reform budget of NIS 2.3 billion was based on a treatment target of 4% of all adults and 2% of all children (up to the age of 18), based on an average of 9 treatment sessions (hereafter - contacts) per adult and 12 per child.
Key figures
18% NIS 400 million 150 days Of the world's population suffer was given to Health The average waiting from depression or anxiety Maintenance time for psychotherapy during their life Organizations as a treatment for adults and supplement to the children in 2018 Mental Health Budget as part of the reform (as of 2018)
27% NIS 142 400 jobs Of the contacts budgeted for The insured's deductible Of psychotherapists are under the reform in 2017 - for an appointment missing in Government some did not take place and with an independent and Health Maintenance others are a matter of dispute psychotherapist; monthly clinics between the Ministry of Health cost of about NIS 570 and the Health Maintenance Organizations Abstract 280 jobs About 80 positions of psychiatrists are not staffed and about 100 are missing in psychiatric and general hospitals; about 100 additional psychiatrists are missing in Clalit's hospitals and in the various HMO clinics
93 Abstract | Reform for the Transfer of Responsibility for Insurance in Regard to Mental Health 95 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual . The Ministry must direct the Health Maintenance the Health Maintenance direct must Ministry . The 2 Organizations on these issues and maintain oversight in the matter. and maintain oversight on these issues Organizations It is appropriate that on the Health Maintenance Organizations websites, a websites, Organizations Maintenance on the Health that It is appropriate HMO to service free who provide caregivers be made between clear distinction whose caregivers, independent and deductible, a of payment without members, of a deductible. payment requires treatment the in stipulated as situations crisis in intervention for intended services All be properly must teams, home visits and crisis including through agreement, the review of Health the Ministry the HMO's. It is advisable that by organized “Balancing Homes” service the and consolidate its authority as regulator exercise of Health must Ministry The whether determine and services of quality and scope the assess to needed data Organizations. the Health Maintenance used by the budget has been appropriately with the Ministry provide regularly must Organizations Health Maintenance The to and reform results of the and the effects assess it needs to all the information of the services. and oversight monitoring maintain regular The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Health Maintenance Organizations, Organizations, Maintenance with the Health of Health, in collaboration Ministry The meet must system the Mental Health Services waiting times that define the must of the publication examine must Ministry The goals. meet these to and the ways the HMO's as a means of improving times between on waiting data comparative the service. Organizations, with the Health Maintenance in collaboration Health Ministry, The of which clinics and the question of the existing the distribution examine must depending on and where, provide to be required the HMO's should services these that ensure to in order region, of each and characteristics the population in populations the various to distance within a reasonable provided are services in a manner populations, and the Arab including the ultra-Orthodox the country, language. and culture group's each to adapted There is a severe shortage of psychiatrists in general and among the Arab sector sector the Arab and among in general of psychiatrists shortage a severe is There intermittently operating been have that programs the grant Despite in particular. in the coming be resolved to is unlikely of psychiatrists the shortage 2011, since service. in the public of psychotherapists is also a lack There years.
A setting designed for seniors who are in an acute mental crisis and is a substitute for hospitalization. for mental crisis and is a substitute in an acute seniors who are A setting designed for The reform agreement provided an additional NIS 300 million (as of 2012) intended intended of 2012) additional NIS 300 million (as an provided agreement reform The the annual to according is updated - an amount that services ambulatory expand to at stands and currently of health services, in the basket increase (percentage) NIS 400 million. approximately the number in 2016 to of about 20% compared increase a marked was there In 2017, but the Organizations, the Health Maintenance by provided contacts of ambulatory in 2017. for budgeted than that lower number is still Recommendations Main Audit 2 service provided to patients; the budgeting the patients; to provided service 1 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State aspects of the reform; the examination of its implementation by the Ministry of Ministry the by implementation its of examination the reform; the of aspects and hospitals; Organizations Health Maintenance between Health; the accounting at mainly conducted were examinations The in the field. and aspects of personnel in some and Organizations, Health Maintenance the four at of Health, the Ministry hospitals. psychiatric From February to October 2019, the State Comptroller's Office reviewed the reform reform the reviewed Office Comptroller's the State 2019, October to February From including transferred, was services health mental for responsibility the which by ambulatory of: the examinations The Arab communities present the lowest rate of mental health patients - below - below of mental health patients rate the lowest present communities Arab The agreement. under the reform the quota expected As of September 2019, there are pending appeals from Clalit regarding Clalit regarding pending appeals from are there 2019, As of September to which amount reform, years of the three in the first hospitalizations psychiatric hospital bills. 22% - NIS 280 million - of total approximately The Ministry of Health does not have qualitative data on the ambulatory treatments treatments on the ambulatory data qualitative of Health does not have Ministry The of the and on the utilization Organizations Health Maintenance the by provided way It also has no reform. results of the assess to budget, so it is difficult reform budget the invested have Organizations Maintenance Health the that ensure to the budgetary framework that and reform, the benefit of the them for to allocated the public's needs in this area. to response an adequate is providing The Health Maintenance Organizations do not employ psychotherapists to a to psychotherapists employ not do Organizations Maintenance Health The areas of the waiting times in clinics in most which causes long extent, sufficient per of about NIS 570 a fee for independent therapists turn to so patients country, treatment. getting is a barrier to month. This wait estimated the about websites the on information provide not do clinics Some between differentiate do not websites Meuhedet, and Leumit Maccabi, The time. who and independent psychotherapists treatment free who give psychotherapists information includes which clinics, of list The deductible. a for service provide has not been website, of Health on the Ministry times posted wait on average for early 2018. accurate were times which and reflects updated The Health Maintenance Organizations did not develop a system for home visits to visits to home for a system did not develop Organizations Health Maintenance The response a proper create give did not and teams crisis establish did not patients, to response an immediate arrange to attempt The situations. emergency for has not been advanced. using MDA emergencies Waiting times for sorting - diagnosis ("intake") and continued psychiatric and psychiatric and continued sorting - diagnosis ("intake") times for Waiting time of 12-16 a waiting to long, up be extremely may treatment psychotherapeutic their cause harm to their mental state, aggravate harm patients, may months. This of treatment. and diminish the effect surroundings and immediate family
Ambulatory therapy is a treatment done in a hospital or clinic and on the day of treatment the patient is the patient of treatment or clinic and on the day done in a hospital is a treatment therapy Ambulatory his home. to discharged 1 The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Reform for the Transfer of Responsibility for Insurance in Regard to Mental Health 97 3 Clalit Clalit Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Leumit Leumit Maccabi Maccabi the Health Maintenance Organizations (2017) Organizations Maintenance the Health Adultsv Adultsv Meuhedet Meuhedet The horizontal lines in the chart reflect the goals set in the Child Care and Adult Care Reform Agreement. Reform Adult Care and goals set in the Child Care the lines in the chart reflect horizontal The by Meuhedet in its internal report (Trend Report) for 2017 for Report) (Trend report in its internal Meuhedet by Children Children Children Children The rate of patients and the number of contacts they received in each of received they the number of contacts and of patients rate The 3 Source: According to data reported by Clalit, Maccabi and Leumit to the Ministry of Health, and data presented presented of Health, and data Ministry the to and Leumit Clalit, Maccabi by reported data to According Source: persons, 2017 all HMO insured from of patients Proportion Average number of contacts, 2017 number of contacts, Average State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State It is advisable that the Ministry of Health and the Health Maintenance Organizations, Organizations, Health Maintenance and the of Health the Ministry that It is advisable unions, and the professional Association Medical with the Israel in collaboration in the coming psychiatrists in the number of the shortfalls foresee plan to a prepare the bridge to be taken to on actions and agree sector, Arab including in the years, personnel in hiring for set targets to is required Ministry The shortfalls. expected Or- whether the Health Maintenance examine to and the field of psychotherapy hiring their budget for utilizing to enough when it comes doing are ganizations personnel in this field.
The Ministry of Health is pleased with the reform, although it believes some areas some areas although it believes the reform, with of Health is pleased Ministry The implementing in difficulties were there that revealed audit The improved. be should reached long and very often were treatments times for waiting and that the reform, Organizations with the Health Maintenance work must Ministry 16 months. The 12 to goals to establish to public services, monitor to of the reform, the results evaluate to and available promote and to the community, in mental health system the strengthen population. the entire for treatment accessible Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Health Ministry of Health’s Actions to Prevent Health Damage from Exposure to Contaminants and Pesticides in Food Products
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Health’s Actions to Prevent Health Damage from Exposure to Contaminants and Pesticides in Food Products
Abstract
Background
A food contaminant is any material that is not intentionally added to the food, and its presence in it is due to environmental contamination, improper preparation, inadequate handling, packaging, transport, storage, maintenance and more. Exposure to food contaminants can harm human health and even lead to death. Examples of biological contaminants • The Listeria bacterium, the cause of Listeriosis disease, is the leading cause of death among food-borne contaminants; it mainly affects the elderly, the immuno- compromised and pregnant women and can cause complications and mortality among these population. • The Salmonella bacterium is the cause of Salmonellosis disease, the symptoms of which will most often manifest in bowel dysfunction. In some cases, the bacterium can cause a serious illness that can end in death, especially in children. • The Campylobacter bacterium causes Campylobacteriosis, which is manifested by intestinal and diarrheal illness, the complications of which can cause severe neurological damage and even life-threatening grave infection. Example of chemical pollutants • Dioxins are toxic substances that can impair the development of the fetus and the reproductive system, damage the immune system, lead to hormonal system disruption and even cause cancer. • As part of the Ministry of Health’s responsibility for public health, its role is to monitor food produced in Israel and imported thereto, through the public health services at the Ministry of Health - the National Food Services. Abstract
101 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020 abstract | Ministry of Health’s Actions to Prevent Health Damage from Exposure to Contaminants
Key figures The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings
0.85 2-fold 33 54 The National Food Services did sample food products in 2017 - 2019, but it did not Listeriosis patients The approximate People contracted Salmonellosis set national goals for sampling to detect the presence of Listeria bacteria. per 100,000 people increase in serious Listeriosis in Israel patients per in Israel in 2018 cases of Listeriosis in the years 2017 - 100,000 people in Sampling to detect pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables carried out by the in Israel from 2008 2018 Israel in 2017 District Branches of the National Food Services, especially in Tel Aviv and the to 2018 North, was incomplete; this is particularly evident in the Tel Aviv District Branch where partial or no sampling at all was carried out for long periods. In addition, the National Food Services headquarters did not receive a report of the sampling 88 10 400 1000 NIS from the District Branches, thus the National Food Services did not have a complete picture of the consumers’ exposure to food pesticides. People were Only about 10 Notices of food The amount of the infected with marketers were products removed administrative fines Despite the rise in the rate of illness from the Campylobacter bacteria in Israel, the Salmonella Concord registered in from the shelves actually imposed Ministry of Health, unlike the requirement in other developed countries, does not bacteria in Israel January 2020 in (recall notices) by the National require checking the presence of the Campylobacter bacterium in food products in the years 2018 the Register of were published Food Services for and therefore the laboratories do not check the presence of this bacterium in - 2019, more Food Marketers on the Ministry of an administrative food products. than half of them from the Palestinian Health website in offense of children Authority’s (PA) Hebrew in the years manufacturers, National Food Services supervisors do not examine standard food products territory to Israel, 2010 - 2019 importers and food brought from the PA and these products are marketed in Israel without testing (a and another 80 marketers. The law “standard” food product is differentiated from food that is defined as “sensitive” were in the process allows a financial such as dairy and baby food). In the absence of full registration of PA marketers, of registration sanction of up to the National Food Services cannot locate food products that were or may be NIS 40,000 harmful to public health brought to Israel from the PA and stop their sale to the public. In two cases of large-scale illness that occurred in Israel in 2018 and 2019 that Audit Actions were examined by the audit, the National Food Services did not take immediate In February - November 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined the Ministry actions to perform a recall or, at least, stop the sale of products concerning which of Health’s actions to prevent harm to public health from exposure to contaminants alarms from Israel and abroad were received about infection due to Salmonella and pesticides in food products, including: operations to detect contaminants in Concord bacteria. food products; to handle incidents where contaminants associated with extensive The five recall notices published by the Ministry of Health on its website in 2018 morbidity were found in products; to monitor food products produced in the and 2019, in respect of the three cases of large-scale illness reviewed in the Palestinian Authority. The information that the Ministry of Health provides to the audit, following the presence of Listeria or Salmonella Concord bacteria in food public regarding prevention of exposure to contaminants and taking effective products - did not reflect the full information on the presence of bacteria and did enforcement action was also examined. not appear in the English and Arabic languages. The Ministry of Health has not yet formulated a detailed procedure governing the establishment and operation of the monetary sanctions system and its enforcement policy towards food manufacturers, importers or marketers. In practice, the National Food Services make use only of low administrative fines.
103 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020 abstract | Ministry of Health’s Actions to Prevent Health Damage from Exposure to Contaminants
Summary During the large-scale Listeriosis event that took place in 2017 - 2018, the South District Health Bureau took necessary action, and from August 2017 to November 2018, sampled hundreds of food products in an attempt to locate the source of the infection. The Ministry of Health is responsible for public health, including the monitoring of food In 2017 and 2018, the number of food products sampled by the National Food Services’ produced in Israel or imported thereto. The deficiencies found in the audit indicate District Branches in the Tel Aviv and North districts increased in line with the increase problems with the functioning of the Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health, in the annual budget of the National Food Services during those years (by contrast, the and in particular the National Food Services, with regard to the need to prevent the number of food products sampled by the regional branches in Central and Ashkelon consumption of contaminated food products which may cause illness. The Ministry of Districts decreased). Health must act so that the National Food Services improve their control and oversight of food products as well as enforcement actions against food dealers who have violated the relevant legal provisions. Main Audit Recommendations The serious Listeriosis morbidity data in Israel, 2008 to August 2019 The State Comptroller’s Office recommends that the Ministry of Health examine the reasons for the significant increase in Listeriosis cases in Israel. The National Food Services should work to set national goals and prioritize the oversight 90 activities carried out by the District Branches. In order to optimize the process, it is appropriate that this be done on the basis of national risk management focused 80 75 76 74 on Listeria contamination. 73 57 The lack of Israeli laboratories’ ability to test dioxins in food products increases 70 the need for the National Food Services to ensure routine monitoring of dioxin 61 57 levels in food products, in order to prevent illness and maintain public health. 60 In order to optimize the monitoring process, it is important that the process be 53 carried out in accordance with a multi-year program based on risk management. 47 50 It is proposed that the Ministry of Health consider regulating a mechanism to 37 determine who has the authority to issue guidelines in cases of concern about 40 35 food contamination that could adversely affect public health. In this context, 33 it is proposed that the Ministry consider explicit delineation of the powers and 30 functions of the National Food Services Administration and the district physicians.
It is appropriate that the Ministry regulate effective public information means 20 regarding the provision of recall notices and that the information to the public on the Ministry of Health’s website be provided not only in Hebrew but in other 10 languages as well.
It is appropriate that the National Food Services enact administrative regulations 0 setting out the manner in which it is to receive information from various bodies 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 January in Israel (such as the central laboratories of the Ministry of Health) regarding – August suspicion that a particular food product may be harmful. 2019 It is suggested to the National Food Services to consider a regular, ongoing Trend line format for monitoring the warnings of foreign entities concerned with these Pregnant women issues, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (the FDA), about suspected contamination in food products manufactured in Israel orfo imported thereto, and Number of cases for deciding upon the steps to be taken following such warnings; inter alia, it is appropriate for the Ministry of Health to determine which foreign bodies should be monitored for such warnings. According to the Ministry of Health’s data, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office.
105 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Health The Ministry of Health’s Mixed Status as a Regulator and as the Owner of Government Hospitals
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
The Ministry of Health’s Mixed Status as a Regulator and as the Owner of Government Hospitals
Abstract
Background
The hospitalization system in Israel includes 27 general hospitals - some owned by the Ministry of Health, some owned by Clalit Health Services and some independent public hospitals. The Ministry of Health serves as a regulator of the health system, including in regard to economic regulation, and simultaneously it also owns 24 government hospitals (general, geriatric and psychiatric). It therefore operates under many hats - as a regulator, as an operator and as an owner, and even as an insurer in various health fields. Public committees have previously examined the issue of the Ministry’s mixed status and many hats, and have determined that this fact has negative effects and suggested ways to segregate its duties. In August 2015 and August 2016, government decisions were made to establish a division of the Ministry of Health, which will be responsible for the government medical centers, and the division’s areas of activity and powers, and the management tools used by it were defined.
Key figures approx. 50% 11 22.7 NIS billion (net) Of the general hospital General-government Scope of revenue of general beds in Israel are owned by hospitals (out of 24 hospitals (government, HMO the Ministry of Health government hospitals, owned and public-independent) including psychiatric and in Israel in 2017 geriatric ones)
NIS 28 billion NIS 600 million Scope of expenditures Total decrease in the net income of HMO's from 2014 to of general hospitals 2018, owing to the differences between their income and (government, HMO owned their expenses, due to gaps between a hospitalization day and public-independent) in price and the health care cost index Israel in 2017 Abstract An increase of 27% NIS 1.8 billion approx. 50% Within five years (in the The financial volume of The difference between the years 2011 to 2016), in the cardiac catheterization price of therapeutic heart amount of radiotherapy activity in 2018, which is catheterization according treatments, from NIS 450 approx. 6% of the total to the Ministry of Health’s million to NIS 570 million gross hospital revenue price list (NIS 39,300) and (gross) for the year (NIS 28.5 the price of therapeutic heart billion) catheterization according to the pricing of Clalit (NIS 18,600) 109 abstract | The Ministry of Health’s Mixed Status as a Regulator and as the Owner of Government Hospitals
State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Audit Actions Main Audit Recommendations From March to October 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined aspects of the Ministry of Health’s mixed status as a regulator and as the owner of 24 government hospitals, of which the 11 general government hospitals were The State Comptroller’s Office recommends that the Ministry of Health clarify the examined. Among the issues examined: the cancellation of the decision to role of the Government Medical Centers Division with regard to the separation establish an authority for government medical centers and the establishment of between its regulation functions and its management and supervision of the a Government Medical Centers Division in the Ministry of Health; the effect of the medical centers. It is also appropriate that it instructs the Division to take action to Ministry of Health’s mixed status on financial and pricing aspects in the health fulfill this role and that it conducts a regular, periodic examination of the Division’s system. meeting of this objective. There is a dispute between the Ministries of Health and Finance regarding the mechanism for updating the health care cost index. It is appropriate that, in The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings accordance with the High Court of Justice ruling, the Ministries work to formulate a mechanism for resolving disputes between them, whether by bringing the issue to the government or in another method. The Ministry of Health must complete the process of receiving the data necessary in order to update the pricing of radiotherapy treatments. The Price Committee The dual role of the Ministry of Health as health regulator but also owner of about must return to convene regularly, notwithstanding the dispute regarding the half of the general hospital beds in Israel creates an inherent tension between its update of radiotherapy prices, and must hold discussions on the issue of tariff ongoing activity through its hospitals which affects their revenues and its being updates regularly. involved in the process for updating the statewide pricing of medical procedures and services by virtue of its status as regulator. The Ministry of Health must review the pricing of cardiac catheterization as soon as possible and present the need to update it before the Price Committee if The period from 2014 to 2018 saw a shortfall of approximately NIS 600 million necessary. being formed between the HMOs’ revenues under the health basket and their paid expenses according to the tariff for a day's hospitalization. This stems from It is recommended that the Division of Government Medical Centers initiate the differences in rate of change between the hospitalization day price index and and promote a systematic review program of tariffs for all government hospital the health care cost index, and it negatively affects the HMOs’ financial status. medical services. The frequency with which the Price Committee is convened is unregulated. The It is appropriate that the Ministry of Health consider setting conditions for audit revealed that from 2016 to 2018, the Price Committee rarely convened to allocating aid budgets to both governmental and public-independent hospitals, price new medical procedures and update prices. It is possible that this is due to in a way that will incentivize them to become more efficient. a disagreement between the Ministry of Finance, according to which an update to the prices of radiotherapy is necessary, and the Ministry of Health, which has not take action to promote such an update to the pricing. Although the price of cardiac catheterization according to the Ministry of Health’s price list is twice as high as the price of cardiac catheterization according to Clalit’s pricing (about 39,000 compared to 19,000), the Price Committee did not discuss the need to update the catheterization prices. In other areas as well, such as eating disorders and treatments in oncology orthopedics, there has been a delay in updating the pricing. In 2017, government hospital deficits totaled NIS 1,550 billion. It was found that until 2017, despite the budgetary assistance provided to cover their deficits, the Finance and Health Ministries did not require them to become more efficient.
The Health Ministry’s Hospitalization System Supervision Division has analyzed the efficiency measures to compare the condition of all general hospitals.
111 State Comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
This report deals with the many hats of the Ministry of Health as a health system regulator and as the owner of the 24 government hospitals. The situation that emerges from the report highlights the inherent tension in the Ministry of Health, even after the establishment of the Government Medical Centers Division. In order to address the issue, it is appropriate for the Ministry of Health to instruct the Division to take action to fulfill its mission of establishing a separation between its regulatory functions and its functions in the fields of hospital management and supervision. This will allow the State Comptroller and Ombudsman Ministry to make decisions based on substantive and objective considerations for the benefit of the entire health system and for the benefit of the public as a whole, improve Annual Report 70B | 2020 public health, and give rise to efficient and effective conduct of all hospitals.
Number of beds in general hospital Ministry of Education hospitalization system, by ownership Management and Supervision of 3,100 19% Education for Ultra- Public – Independent Orthodox Clalit 8,000 Abstract 51% Government 4,700 30%
Source: Hospitalization System Supervision Division, General Public Hospitals: Draft Financial Reporting 2017 for Public Comments (June 2019). Annual Report 70B | 2020
Management and Supervision of Education for Ultra-Orthodox
Abstract
Background
Ultra-Orthodox students constitute approximately 30% of the students in the Hebrew education system in Israel, and their proportion is steadily growing. Unlike state education, the vast majority of ultra-Orthodox educational institutions are privately owned by non-profit associations (hereinafter - Ownerships) which employ the teaching staff. There are separate educational institutions for different ultra-Orthodox groups as well as separate schools for each gender. The budgeting of ultra-Orthodox educational institutions varies according to the type of Ownership and the proportion of core curriculum taught1. In 2014, the Ministry of Education established the ultra- Orthodox District (the District), to conduct separate supervision adapted to ultra- Orthodox education.
Key figures
446,000 29.7% NIS 4.4 billion Ultra-Orthodox students of Hebrew primary school Ministry of Education budget attended some 6,600 students studied in 2017- in the year 2017-2018 for educational institutions in 2018 under ultra-Orthodox ultra-Orthodox primary and 2018-2019. The institutions auspices. In 2023-2022, secondary education. The were operated by more their proportion is total budget of the Ministry than 1,000 Ownerships expected to increase to 31% for the year 2017-2018 - approx. NIS 50 billion
84% of the boys 13% of the boys and 21% of the girls in the ultra-Orthodox secondary educational who attended 12th grade in 2016-2017 institutions have studied in institutions that in the ultra-Orthodox institutions that do not teach any part of the core curriculum. offer matriculation exams attained a 56% of the boys in the ul-tra-Orthodox matriculation certificate primary educational institutions studied only part of the core curriculum Abstract
1 Core curriculum - literally meaning “Fundamental Studies in State Education”. Core (fundamental) subjects are the compulsory subjects set by the Ministry of Education, which are a common, binding basis for all educational institutions.
115 Abstract | Management and Supervision of Education for Ultra-Orthodox 117 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual It is appropriate that the Ministry of Education set goals for the ultra-Orthodox ultra-Orthodox the for goals set Education of Ministry the that appropriate is It of ways consider it to for them. It is also appropriate achieve to and work sector and matriculation in the Meitzav number of schools participating the expanding of those taking the matriculation proportion the increase to and working exams certificate. a matriculation of those eligible for and the proportion exams of the employment regulate to of Education Ministry the for It is appropriate requirements terms of the necessary in sector in the ultra-Orthodox staff teaching them. It is also about and reporting be met, including their training must that entire onthe information receive to Ownerships the with work to it for appropriate of gaps the identification will allow that a basic database to create staff teaching and needs. talented the number of increase to steps take to Ministry the for It is appropriate ultra- the with collaboration in work to and subjects core teach to teachers the requirements. adapt the curricula to to institutions, training Orthodox There is a shortage of updated textbooks approved and adapted for the ultra- for and adapted approved textbooks a shortage of updated is There the and textbooks, unapproved use schools Ultra-Orthodox sector. Orthodox on the subject. information has no organized of Education Ministry the full extent circular, General Director of Education the Ministry to According in schools is smaller than required the ultra-Orthodox set for curriculum of core curriculum conducted of the core examination The groups. the other education each for hours required the study to does not relate Education of the Ministry by subject. are which institutions, does not supervise the “exempt” of Education Ministry The in an optimal manner. about NIS 250 million a year, for budgeted vis a vis the enforcement and supervision, control of Education's Ministry The very them are to the budget given utilize in which they and the way Ownerships with tampered Ownerships have where found been Some cases have limited. wages. their employees'
Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit The establishment of the ultra-Orthodox district and the ultra-Orthodox state state and the ultra-Orthodox district of the ultra-Orthodox establishment The closer education ultra-Orthodox bringing the are and their activities group education and that education ultra-Orthodox the gaps between pedagogical goals. However, to large. very still are of other groups the Administration - In 2019, processes as part of the improvement undertaken Steps primary schools, but in ultra-Orthodox controls began implementing multidisciplinary has established of Education In addition, the Ministry partial and limited. still are they (Pisga) that staff of teaching the development for centers six regional years in recent teachers. ultra-Orthodox for courses hold training % The proportion of students of students proportion The district in the ultra-Orthodox teachers being taught by of about whom the Ministry full does not have Education information 76 % 40 of the ultra-Orthodox of the ultra-Orthodox the by approved textbooks are of Education Ministry old books, only partially the current suitable to curriculum
% of the girls % of the State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In March - August 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined aspects of ultra- examined aspects Office Comptroller’s the State 2019, - August In March situation examined: subjects were These and its supervision. education Orthodox students; of ultra-Orthodox the academic goals and achievements to with regard of Ministry the to available data - sector ultra-Orthodox the in staff teaching ultra-Orthodox the in textbooks seminars; and training employment, Education, in ultra-Orthodox subjects studied of core subjects; extent in the core sector primary of ultra-Orthodox and control supervision overall primary education; primary schools in “exempt” ultra-Orthodox of schools; supervision and control institutions); (“exempt” of 55% proportion a at curriculum core teach that - status supervision of Ownerships and educational and financial and administrative institutions. There is a severe shortage of ultra-Orthodox male teachers for the core subjects. In the core for male teachers ultra-Orthodox shortage of a severe is There certificate teaching a have not do who some boys, for institutions educational the by in the seminars conducted participate teachers ultra-Orthodox Few also teach. of Education. the Ministry Most of the ultra-Orthodox educational institutions do not send information to the to information send not do institutions educational ultra-Orthodox the of Most have does not so the Ministry staff, teaching their regarding Education of Ministry which impairs its management sector, in the ultra-Orthodox on teachers full data and supervision capabilities. The Ministry of Education has not set goals in the Meitzav exams for the ultra- the for exams Meitzav the in goals set not has Education of Ministry The regarding sector the ultra-Orthodox and the goals it has set for sector, Orthodox eligibility goals. the nation-wide to compared low are matriculation eligibility for The Meitzav exams (measures school efficiency and advancement), the purpose the advancement), and efficiency school (measures exams Meitzav The identifying problems for pedagogical information objective provide of which is to in only administered are in schools, the teaching improving and for and failures them, have schools and in those that of the ultra-Orthodox a small proportion of the students the achievements In practice, partially. only administered are they in the exams in the Meitzav who participate institutions in the ultra-Orthodox achievements. short of the national subjects, fall and Hebrew mathematics
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Audit in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit
in Ultra-Orthodox schools in Ultra-Orthodox in study to continue seminars, after teaching - tests the Szold passing some of replace that tests exams the matriculation 60 Abstract | Management and Supervision of Education for Ultra-Orthodox 119 79% 68% 21% Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 2016-2017 20% 13% 3% 71% 59% 20% 2011-2012 17% 7% sectors and educational institutions; 2012-2011 and 2017-2016 and 2012-2011 institutions; and educational sectors The proportion of ultra-Orthodox girls eligible for a matriculation certificate certificate a matriculation for girls eligible of ultra-Orthodox proportion The yearbook in the students female all ultra-Orthodox from from certificate a matriculation for girls eligible of ultra-Orthodox proportion The matriculation offer that institutions in the ultra-Orthodox students all the female exams all the 12th from certificate a matriculation of those eligible for proportion The in Israel exams matriculation offer that in institutions students grade all the from certificate a matriculation of those eligible for proportion The in the non-ultra-Orthodox exams matriculation offer that in institutions students sector Jewish The proportion of ultra-Orthodox boys eligible for a matriculation certificate certificate matriculation a for eligible boys ultra-Orthodox of proportion The in the yearbook male students all ultra-Orthodox from from certificate a matriculation for eligible boys ultra-Orthodox of proportion The matriculation offer that institutions in the ultra-Orthodox all the male students exams 2%
0 10 70 20 50 30 80 60 90 The proportion of those eligible for matriculation certificate, by gender, by gender, certificate, matriculation for of those eligible proportion The 40 Source: Ministry of Health’s data, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office. Comptroller’s the State by processed data, of Health’s Ministry Source: State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The Ministry of Education must regulate the control format in regard to to in regard format the control regulate must of Education Ministry The the increase to work it to for It is appropriate institutions. the “exemption” the examine to and mechanisms enforcement and control the of effectiveness violate that Ownerships against measures enforcement setting of additional conditions. employment workers' The ministry must also ensure that the textbooks adapted for the ultra-Orthodox ultra-Orthodox the for adapted the textbooks that also ensure must ministry The ways explore and textbooks the use of approved increase to work up-to-date, are for appropriate It is program. book-lending in the participation their encourage to regarding set in 2011 fundamental program the review to Education of the Ministry changing reality. of the in the face studies core
In addition to the willingness of maintaining the cultural uniqueness of education in of education uniqueness cultural the maintaining of willingness the to addition In but also this group, for independence peaceful providing sector, the ultra-Orthodox of supervisory and maintain a system to budgets, it is important state providing the ultra- that it should be ensured the latter Through requirements. enforcement and of Education the Ministry the rules set by to adhere systems education Orthodox earn a living in will enable them to that and knowledge with skills students provide in important more is even their skills. This to is appropriate that in a way the future proper its and the need for sector in the ultra-Orthodox of growth light of the forecast economy. the national into integration Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budget Crisis
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budget Crisis
Abstract
Background
In recent years, the activities of the State of Israel in the international arena have expanded greatly, and today dozens of government ministries and government bodies (hereinafter - the foreign affairs framework) maintain direct and indirect contacts with government agencies, professional entities and international organizations worldwide. This activity provides many opportunities for the State of Israel to advance its political position in the world, strengthen its international image, improve its economic capabilities and advance its interests in accordance with the government’s policy. The Foreign Ministry, which operates through 103 diplomatic missions deployed around the world, plays an important role in the implementation of government policy in the international arena. In recent years, there has been a consistent reduction in the Foreign Ministry’s share of the state budget, and in 2019 the Ministry's budget has been greatly reduced, a move that has impaired its activity in Israel and worldwide.
Key figures
161 103 35 NIS 3.2 billion The number of The number of The number of 2019 Budget countries with Israel’s diplomatic state agencies for activities of which Israel has missions in the active abroad in Governmental diplomatic relations world in 2019 2019 bodies involved in in 2019 the foreign affairs framework
NIS 1.385 billion 14.7% - The original budget of the Ministry of The rate of reduction of the original Foreign Affairs for 2019 that constituted budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 0.29% of the total state budget for 2019 compared with 2018 against the increase of the total state budget by 4.3% Abstract
123 Abstract | Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budget Crisis 125 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The government has not yet established who will be responsible for coordinating coordinating for be responsible who will established has not yet government The the international in operating bodies the government between and integrating in the developments and changes the rapid of view in is required This arena. comprehensive an overall create the need to and of global interests mapping level. on the international available knowledge utilizing the full while assessment have practice or regulated mechanism, clear procedure In addition, no orderly government other and ministries government of updates mutual for up set been arena. international in the effort consolidate to difficult bodies, making it Affairs of Foreign budget of the Ministry the core in 14.7%) cut (by substantial The crisis in the Ministry. a budget budget has led to its 2018 to compared 2019 for which place, did not take operations, activities, including core many As a result, and abroad to citizens service relations, foreign of Israel’s State the affect could more. abroad, missions diplomatic close Israeli to has led a move of Finance Ministry The of this of the effects examination on a thorough did not rest although its proposal relations. foreign action on Israel’s missions of seven closure the gradual regarding decision government’s The the political echelon. the decision by following been implemented, has not yet the one-time budgetary did not transfer Finance of the Ministry Consequently, missions. of the aforementioned on the closure conditioned was supplement that
The dozens of government agencies operating abroad have expanded their interactions their interactions expanded have abroad agencies operating of government dozens The with private and organizations international with bodies, government foreign with improve to of Israel the State oppor-tunities for creating the world, around corporations its image. and enhance its position in the world State of the the interests to promote is taking initiatives Affairs of Foreign Ministry The of a the establishment and as part of this, it has initiated the world, around of Israel dealing with aimed at ministries, with other government in collaboration global forum, crisis. the climate of an inter-ministerial establishment the promoted Office the Prime Minister’s In 2019, activities in the field focus government to work staff regular conduct to committee in the field, in inter-ministerial strategy develop and to development of international and cooperation. coordination The Process of Formulating the 2019 Foreign Ministry Budget Ministry Foreign 2019 the Formulating of Process The and its Implications State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In February-September 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined aspects Office Comptroller’s the State 2019, In February-September the international in framewok affairs foreign Israeli the of activity the to related the Foreign of the preparation led to that procedures as the as well arena, carried was examination The and their implications. 2019 budget for Ministry’s Prime in the and of Finance Ministry in the Affairs, Foreign of the Ministry out in National Security at the made were Supplementary inquiries Office. Minister’s of Diaspora, the Ministry and Industry, Economy of Ministry the Headquarters, of Defense the Ministry Information, and Public Affairs of Strategic the Ministry In addition, abroad. the country representing and other bodies and the IDF, symposium a held Office Comptroller’s State the investigation, the of part as Foreign from the officials retired senior and ambassadors former which in 28 among approximately a questionnaire and distributed participated, Ministry on their information receive agencies to and government ministries government the activities of the foreign on and their views arena activities in the international years. recent in framework affairs There are no fixed boundaries between authorities and definitions of fields of boundaries between no fixed are There of other and the dozens Ministry the Foreign action and boundaries between or and no examination arena, in the international bodies operating government that way working model, in a proper the regarding been undertaken work has staff areas of activity and work in their joint to various bodies for the it difficult makes arrangements coordination effective create to use of their abilities proper make and relationships. The government’s decisions on formulating a national strategy for the State of the State for strategy a national on formulating decisions government’s The of state the allocation while optimizing arena, activities in the international Israel’s been implemented. not yet have resources, This framework has created a wide range of areas of launch, overlap, parallelization parallelization of launch, overlap, of areas a wide range has created framework This in the international issues dealing with various to with regard and completion both by addressed are these issues same time, the very at that, found It was arena. other entities, in the and ministries other government and by Ministry the Foreign also vis a vis the very and often organizations, and international same countries a lack of coordination, entities; this leads to and state governmental same foreign bodies. state these various between and cooperation syn-chronization In 2019, the State of Israel’s foreign affairs framework included decentralized decentralized included framework affairs foreign of Israel’s State the 2019, In entities, and other government ministries government than 35 more of operation NIS of approximately budget volume with a total Ministry, alongside the Foreign regarding situation The and abroad. in Israel 3.2 billion and some 4,500 employees its budget framework, within this wide-ranging of employees the employment in a centralized not presented is of all the parties involved, and the operation budget. and the state programs work manner in the government
Operations of Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework in the Framework Affairs Foreign of Israel's Operations Arena International The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Audit in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budget Crisis 127 NIS 1,530 million NIS 1,530 Inelastic expenses 2018 expenses Inelastic Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 2019 budget: 2019 NIS 1,385 million NIS 1,530 million NIS 1,530 2019 budget 2019 Inelastic expenses 2018 expenses Inelastic NIS 1,385 million
MinistryMinistry AairsAairs CrisisCrisis BudgetBudget ofof ForeignForeign +5.7% ministries Average of Average government government the remaining the remaining State budget State Has increased by approx. 25% approx. by The 2019 versus versus 2019 The 2018 budget change budget 2018 In the years 2015-2019 In the years The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must formulate a formulate must Affairs of Foreign and the Ministry of Finance Ministry The price of respect in accountability mutual for mechanism and methodology operate. missions diplomatic the where countries in the or reductions increases with the Foreign in cooperation of Finance, Ministry the that It is recommended payments, UN for allowance budgetary permanent a allocating consider Ministry, budget, in Ministry’s Foreign in the by the changes affected which will not be specific to not pursuant are of payments(that in transfer delays prevent to order decisions). policy -14.7% Ministry of Ministry Ministry of Ministry
Foreign Aairs Foreign by approx. 14% approx. by Foreign Aairs Foreign Has decreased Has decreased Integration of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health data, processed by the State by processed of Health data, and the Ministry of Finance of the Ministry Integration Summary ensure act to challenges on a daily basis and complex deal with has to of Israel State The The world. in the and achievements its status and strengthen resiliency its national security and others - emphasize - budgetary, operates the state within which constraints to according operate framework affairs the foreign that necessity the strongly more financial available efficiently utilizing the thinking, meticulous planning and strategic and its arms government Israeli the Therefore, of knowledge. and centers resources to in order framework affairs foreign of Israel’s reform a comprehensive consider must its international and of Israel of the State and maintain the strength it forward move status. State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State It is appropriate that the budgetary agreements to be drafted will give expression expression will give be drafted to the budgetary agreements that It is appropriate of an implementable along with the initiation expenses, and inelastic elastic to activities Ministry's Foreign disruption of the prevent will plan, which efficiency fulfill its mission. to continue it to and allow It is appropriate that the budget allocation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Affairs of Foreign the Ministry to the budget allocation that It is appropriate and the of Finance the Ministry between discussions shall be decided through budgetary balancing between work, staff orderly after Affairs Foreign of Ministry budget of the total in view considerations, and diplomatic-political considerations and its division among framework affairs the activity of the foreign to allocated in this arena. parties operating the various It is recommended to examine the budget for operations of the various bodies of the various operations the budget for examine to It is recommended to the will be suitable that in a manner framework, affairs within the foreign mechanism of each governmental and operating objectives responsibilities, pooling. It is also advisable resource and of efficiency based on principles entity, budget of all in the state presentation integrative of an the possibility examine to of and bodies within this sphere ministries the various to allocated the resources operation. It is appropriate that any government agency operating in the field of foreign foreign in the field of operating agency government any that It is appropriate responsibility activity and of areas its in work plan a formulate should affairs while setting benchmarks for objectives, strategic with national in accordance a single into all plans be formulated and that and evaluation, examination future plan. government In order to manage the decentralized foreign affairs framework, it is recommended recommended it is framework, affairs foreign manage the decentralized to In order relevant the all of activities the integrate will that entity government a appoint to updating and cooperation coordination, mutual regulate to work and parties and authorities responsibilities, determine to appropriate also is It mechanisms. arena. in the international boundaries of the entities operating Given the decentralization of the operations of the governmental bodies within bodies of the governmental operations of the the decentralization Given of government implementation for the actions framework, affairs the foreign Committee an Executive including convening taken, be must decisions on this issue affairs the foreign goals for strategic national of common the establishment for mechanism, mapping of all government operating an optimal creating framework, in the of Israel State on behalf of the bodies operating and government ministries The framework. in this place Ministry's Foreign and defining the arena international within the framework various bodies of all the of implementation effectiveness the from derived are actions these that ensuring as well as be considered, must sphere. in the technological and in line with developments strategy national
The Process of Formulating the 2019 Foreign Ministry Budget Ministry Foreign the 2019 of Formulating Process The and its Implications Operations of Israel's Foreign Affairs Framework in the Framework Affairs Foreign of Israel's Operations Arena International Main Audit Recommendations Audit Main State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
The government Foreign Array - The active headquarters and performance bodies in Israel with an affinity to the international arena
Ministry of Foreign National Security Prime Minister’s Affairs Headquarters Office
National National Civil Aviation Ministry of Israeli Space Ministry of Security Cyber Authority Finance Agency Tourism Headquarters Directorate State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020 ‘Nativ’ in Ministry Higher the Prime Innovation Ministry of Israel Police of Public Education Minister's Authority Education Security Council Office Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Economy Justice Health Diaspora Communications Defense and Industry Management and
Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Ministry Ministry of Supervision of Immigration Labor and Regional Culture and of Social Science and and Social Affairs Cooperation Sport Equality Technology Absorption the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Water IDF Intelligence Energy Interior Transport Authority Services Development in the
Ministry of Field of Importation Ministry of Ministry Of Ministry of Strategic Agriculture Jerusalem Environmental Affairs and Rural And of Cattle, Fodder and Protection and Public Development Heritage Information Disease Prevention
Source: Information provided by the various bodies, the websites of the bodies on the Internet, the Ministry of Finance website, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office. Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Management and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Field of Importation of Cattle, Fodder and Disease Prevention
Abstract
Background
Meat is one of the animal source foods marketed in Israel, and naturally it may contain disease-causing bacteria. Prevention of diseases derived from animal source foods requires monitoring of the various stages of animal care, starting from the food and vaccine provision stage, through to livestock transportation (from abroad and within the country), slaughtering the livestock and packing the meat, and ending with its transportation to the marketing chains and storage therein. Supervision of the various stages up to the stage of conveying the meat from the slaughterhouses is carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Veterinary Services (VS).
Key figures
247,198 334,517 Approx. 130 Head of cattle were imported Head of sheep were Ships for transporting to Israel in 2019, which were imported to Israel cattle and sheep arrive in intended mainly for the meat in 2019, which were Israel every year industry intended mainly for the meat industry
NIS 865 million NIS 187 million 137,000 tons The monetary value of the The monetary value of Beef consumption in Israel cattle imported in 2019 the sheep imported in in 2018 2019
NIS 10-14 NIS 1.5-2.2 thousand thousand Abstract Price of head of cattle for Price of head of sheep for slaughter slaughter
131 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Audit Actions abstract | Management and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development The State Comptroller’s Office commends the removal of restrictions on beef and meat In February-August 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined aspects related imports. to the Ministry of Agriculture’s supervision of the import of beef and sheep (livestock) for meat, for the purpose of disease prevention. The audit examined Significant improvement in human infection data for Brucellosis is apparent, and in the process of approval of countries for importation of livestock and the manner 2019 it is expected to be much smaller than in previous years. Also, a downward trend is in which the Ministry supervises the importation of the livestock and its raising apparent in the amount of sheep which test positive. The reduction in human infection including, inter alia, the manner of supervision by the Ministry of the conditions may be attributable to a campaign organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in areas for transporting the animals from abroad; supervision of animal food imported that are prone to infection and to safety precautions by farmers. from abroad; and its actions to prevent the spread of diseases among the animals. The Ministry of Agriculture conducted a self-examination, in which it examined the The audit was carried out at the Ministry of Agriculture, and especially in the VS. amount of compensation it paid to owners of livestock that had been destroyed after an outbreak of Brucellosis, acknowledged its mistake, in that the amount paid was less than required, and paid out the difference, even with regard to closed cases. The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings
Main Audit Recommendations Despite the lowering of customs duties on imported calves and despite the additional reforms carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture in recent years to lower the price of beef for the consumer, from 2013 to the end of 2018 there was The Ministry of Agriculture must examine the prices of meat for the public, taking a 4.5% - 6% increase in the meat price index. into account barriers and failures in the meat market and accordingly make Despite the high rates of cattle infected with Brucellosis, the Ministry has not decisions that will allow the reduction of meat prices. The Ministry of Finance, devised a new, viable plan to eliminate the disease and stop its spread. Economy and Industry and the Competition Authority should also be involved in this matter, to ensure that the steps taken will achieve the desired results. The VS determined that it was the responsibility of the raisers of livestoke to vaccinate against the Brucellosis and Leptospirosis diseases while the market was The Ministry of Agriculture must work to enforce the provisions of the law regarding short of vaccines that did not allow for the implementation of these instructions. import of livestock from abroad and to reduce the harm to animal welfare during transportation. To this end, they must employ advanced supervision measures During the supervision process of fodder import, visual inspection and sampling and examine the possibility of exercising their powers, including the imposing of are not carried out. As a result, there is concern that fodder containing metals, fines and suspending import licenses. pesticides, molds and toxins may enter Israel and harm the animals fed on it and humans consuming food produced from these animals. In order to reduce the spread of the Brucellosis disease, it is appropriate that the Ministry work with determination to maintain a monitoring, diagnosis and control Approving additional countries for importing fodder may increase competition system in all farms, according to the risk level defined for them. The VS, which and lower prices, however there are six countries that are in the process of often encounters a shortage of vaccines, must examine alternatives to the stock approval, having waited two to eight years already for the VS approval for fodder of vaccines in the market to enable immediate treatment for stopping disease import. outbreaks when needed. The VS did not hold regular visits to countries approved for fodder import for the In view of the dangers posed to public health in Israel and the local animals due to purpose of monitoring their compliance with the health certificates they signed. the importation of livestock into Israel and the exposure of the state to diseases Occasionally, data has been accumulated that seem to indicate that states are not common in the region, the VS must carry out a careful examination and not in compliance. Findings have also emerged that reflect poor maintenance complete, periodic risk assessment of each approved, recognized country. of the ships transporting livestock from abroad up to real danger to the animals and damage to their living conditions in a way that causes them great suffering. In order to increase competitiveness in the livestock importation market, it is However, the Ministry of Agriculture did not sanction importers or ship owners proposed that the VS should act as soon as possible to authorize imports from who did not comply with the Ministry’s instructions, except in very exceptional other countries. cases. The VS must act as soon as possible to computerize the state approval process and publicize the various stages of implementation of the process in order for them to be accessible and transparent to the public. They must also work to computerize the audit forms regarding the living conditions of the livestock during transportation from abroad, to allow for ongoing, appropriate supervision of the matter and to prevent repeated violations of its guidelines.
133 State Comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
Findings that could affect, among other things, public health, animal welfare and health, and meat prices in Israel were presented in the report. Optimizing the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and the VS in the field which is entrusted to them, with emphasis on decision-making close to the time of identification of the risks, their execution and the exercise of their supervisory and enforcement powers, may improve the situation raised in the report. Improving the outdated computing infrastructure used by the Ministry should also contribute to efficient, focused and effective supervision of the State Comptroller and Ombudsman issue. Due to the rise in consumer meat prices, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and the Competition Authority, is required Annual Report 70B | 2020 to take effective measures, including measures to increase competitiveness, which will reduce the price of meat for the consumer.
Changes in the price of 1 kg of beef in Israel in 2013-2018 Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
10% 8.6 % Training and 8% 6.1 % 6% 5.0 % Professional Service 4.4 % 4.5 %
4% 3.1 % Unit in the Ministry 1.9 % 1.8 % 2% of Agriculture and 0% Rural Development 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 -2% -2.6 % Abstract
-4% -3.3 % Fresh beef Frozen beef
According to the CBS data, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Training and Professional Service Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Abstract
Background
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is appointed by the government to oversee the fields of agriculture and rural areas in Israel. The Ministry of Agriculture's Training and Profession Service Unit (Shaham) is responsible for producing objective knowledge in the field of agriculture and for providing it to farmers in various fields. Shaham’s operations are aimed at improving the quality of agricultural produce and the profitability of the agricultural sector in Israel through an efficient use of the means of production available to agriculture - land, water, labor and capital - with a view to the public benefit inherent in agriculture.
Key figures
85% NIS 30.5 billion 204 kg of the territory of the The value of agricultural Average per capita State of Israel is rural, with produce in Israel in 2018 supply of fresh fruits approximately 830,000 (about USD 8.5 billion) and vegetables to the residents living in 1,013 domestic market from communities domestic production in 2018
140 NIS 9.3 million 31 The number of employment Shaham’s expenditure Courses conducted positions within Shaham as of budget in 2019 by Shaham in 2018 August 2019. 114 of the jobs with a total of 1,208 are related to farmers training participants Abstract
137 Abstract | Training and Professional Service Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 139 the mix of mix the Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual in its field of operation to directly identify directly to operation of field its in gaps and needs the map The managements of the Ministry of Agriculture and Shaham are required to to required and Shaham are of Agriculture managements of the Ministry The and sharing it information documenting for process implement a structured of the benefits In view computing platform. a digital including through effectively, to accessible training counseling and of digital learning and the benefit of making implement this method in its services. to ways examine Shaham must farmers, examine must management Shaham’s and Agriculture of Ministry The experiments conducted at Shaham’s R&D and the need for a person to function a person to R&D and the need for Shaham’s at conducted experiments on the ongoing management of R&D. in a management capacity and focus establish cooperation between Shaham and the between cooperation establish must of Agriculture Ministry The optimally and efficiently services and counseling the training operate to districts farmers. the needs of reflecting perspective an overall and from Shaham must must Shaham trends. relevant assess to and or capabilities of farmers the lack of knowledge and learn if with its operations satisfaction farmers’ also examine Shaham must to how and profitability, and level professional their improve help indeed do they activities. of instructor supervision them, and improve improve The training structure and greenhouses in the R&D have long been neglected, neglected, been long have R&D the in greenhouses and structure training The consider to Administration Housing State the to returned not been have and they an the use of for space Shaham provided in addition, the state; by use alternative and without of use, period entire the for agreement a valid without party external the state. due to proceeds the entire collecting
Actions for correcting deficiencies - After the audit was completed, the Ministry of the Ministry completed, was the audit After deficiencies - correcting for Actions services consultancy of organizational the acquisition for a tender issued Agriculture the findings that to related were products consultancy Shaham, and the requested for manage the instructors properly to ways Shaham is exploring the audit; from emerge them. over of control the capability while increasing Shaham work, the instructors’ gained during the knowledge preserve to In order map unit, to training of Agriculture with the Ministry in conjuction a project, initiated conservation. and plan its the fields of knowledge population elders of the Ethiopian integrate to initiative of Agriculture’s Ministry The and should welcome is most of R&D, realm activity in the community agricultural into and training consultancy by also be accompanied and, if necessary, develop continue, with the the activity is done in accordance that provided instructors, of Shaham’s legal provisions. relevant Recommendations Main Audit - Of the studies conducted in 2018, only about half were within the specific half were only about in 2018, conducted - Of the studies State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In March-August 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined various aspects various examined Office Comptroller’s the State 2019, In March-August needs; farmers' of light the in services Shaham’s including activities, Shaham’s of relations the instructors; of work of the control and supervision methodology, and counseling districts; of Agriculture’s and the Ministry Shaham between and structure the organizational consultants; external from services training center and development research and management of the concept; operating the Ministry at conducted was examination The responsibility. under Shaham’s the Civil carried out at were examinations and supplementary of Agriculture, Department, the - the Budget of Finance the Ministry and at Commission, Service Housing Administration. Division and the Government General Accountant Research areas in the Research and Development Center (R&D) owned by by owned (R&D) Center and Development in the Research areas Research Shaham various water of of using effluent Shaham R&D - the effect to assigned mission with mainly concerned - while the other half were produce on agricultural grades of existing and the improvement varieties agricultural of new the examination ones. Lack of supervision, control and documentation of the instructors’ work and the and work instructors’ the of documentation and control supervision, of Lack regarding No documentation : farmers the to provide they service and response and counseling services; of the recipients were who farmers the of identities the of the length of kept was and no record not examined; methods were training was response Shaham until a to application of the farmer’s the date time from them. to provided - districts of Agriculture Shaham and the Ministry between In the interaction management Shaham’s between work interfaces arisen in the have Difficulties and these operations the districts’ to related managers on issues and the district programs. training on Shaham’s had influence have may throughout their years their years throughout of instructors experience gained from Much knowledge manner and was in an orderly not fully documented in Shaham was of work and farmers. use of other instructors the for not available therefore with regard to its to with regard and gaps among farmers Shaham did not map the needs and other fields, and did not initiate activities in the field of applied agriculture of their the level as to farmers from feedback evaluate and receive to process a with its operations. satisfaction specify the principles and that in place procedures not have Shaham does than one hundred more though Shaham operates , even its operation methods for and engaged in the production industries agricultural in the various instructors of knowledge. distribution
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
Over the past decade, there have been changes in all agricultural sectors in Israel aimed at improving their profitability. In addition, there is an increase in the prices of inputs and requirements for the quality of produce and the maintenance of a fair price, which increase the financial risk in the agriculture industry and undermine the viability of this occupation. In light of the findings presented in this report, Shaham - as a central body that is responsible for the production and distribution of applied professional knowledge to farmers in a timely, accessible and independent manner - is required to adapt its activities to its purpose in order to assist in developing farmers’ professional capabilities and maximize the benefits that can result from its activity. State Comptroller and Ombudsman Shaham’s expenditure budget distribution in Annual Report 70B | 2020 2019 (percentage)
Private Training Ministry for the Development of the (Outsourcing) 11% Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee Activity of the Lachish agricultural development centers 14% Ministry for the Development of the Field trials 43% Professional expenses Periphery, the Negev 16% and the Galilee and of the Negev and Integrated pest control 16% Galilee Development Authorities According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s data, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office. Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Activity of the Ministry for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee and of the Negev and Galilee Development Authorities
Abstract
Background
In January 2005, the government decided to establish the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, as a dedicated office that will initiate, among other things, projects for the development of the Negev and the Galilee. The purpose of the ministry is to provide specific assistance to communities in the Negev and Galilee and to communities that are under the definition of social periphery to strengthen social resilience, increase economic growth, reduce gaps in opportunity and improve the quality of life in these communities. The Negev Development Authority and the Galilee Development Authority are statutory corporations (hereinafter - the Development Authorities). The minister responsible for them is the Minister of Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee (hereinafter - the Minister of Development).
Key figures
NIS 496 million NIS 40 million The budget of the Ministry for the The budget of each of the development Development of the Periphery, the authorities for 2017 Negev and the Galilee for 2017 35 94 Number of local authorities in the Negev Number of local authorities in the Galilee Abstract
143 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Hiring consultants - The Tendering Committees of the Development Authorities Audit Actions selected via a tender procedure two government relations consultants and a female empowerment consultant without having been presented with a In August 2017 - February 2018, the State Comptroller’s Office examined aspects document detailing the need for their employment. The two consultants of the activities of the Ministry of Development of the Periphery, the Negev and employed in the Galilee Development Authority had a professional background the Galilee (hereinafter - the Ministry of Development) and the Development in providing service to the political party of the Minister of Development. Also, Authorities and their interactions. The audit focused on actions taken in the Negev the Development Authorities did not do enough regarding the monitoring and and the Galilee, but not in (other parts of) the periphery. The State Comptroller’s control of the consultants’ work. Office also examined the functioning of the Development Authorities and the Ministry of Development with regard to the appointment of the CEO of the Negev Development Authority, the employment of external consultants and administrative and personnel issues. The audit was conducted at the Ministry of In August 2017, agreements were signed between the Ministry of Development and the
Development and at the Development Authorities. Supplementary examinations Development Authorities, the subject matter of which was maintaining the necessary abstract | Activity of the Ministry for the Development of the Periphery were conducted in several local authorities, the Government Companies Authority balance between their independence and the need for supervision and control over and the Civil Service Commission. them; However, certain differences were found in the wording of the Ministry of Development agreements with the two Development Authorities. The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Main Audit Recommendations
Independence of the Development Authorities and recruitment of resources The Ministry of Development must maintain the necessary balance between the from external sources - The Development Authorities function only on the basis need to maintain the independence of the Development Authorities and the need of the budgets they receive from the Ministry of Development and do not make for supervision and control over them. use of the additional methods allowed them by law to raise additional funding for their operation. As a result, despite their independence as separate authorities, The Ministry of Development and the Development Authorities must identify the Ministry of Development treats them as one of its districts and intervenes in barriers facing the local authorities in the Negev and Galilee and work to find their activities and ongoing work. solutions that will increase the utilization rate of resources allocated to the Negev and Galilee, including for example: to facilitate the submission of support Barriers to fundraising by local authorities in the Negev and Galilee - The local requests in response to calls for proposals, match the response time to a call for authorities do not exhaust the resources provided to them by the Ministry of proposal to the complexity of the project, transfer payments to local authorities Development and the Development Authorities because of the following barriers: at the relevant time and take a progressive financing method to reduce the gaps the lack of possibility of submitting requests online in response to calls for between the strong and weak local authorities. proposals; lack of accessibility in the Arabic language; lack of a comprehensive distribution list prepared for the organized distribution of calls for proposals; The Minister of Development and the other Ministers must act to appoint members the response time for a call for proposals is limited and does not allow the in the administrations and councils of the Development Authorities as required local authorities to meet the submission and document provision deadlines; the by the Negev Development Authority Law, 1991, and the Galilee Development matching financing requirements from local authorities with low socioeconomic Authority Law, 1993. status; and delay in transferring the payments to the local authorities. The Attorney General must consider the changing of the procedure for filing Execution of projects - It was decided to extend a joint venture of the Ministry support requests in a manner that includes the applicant’s declaration regarding of Development another year, even though the previous year, the venture partner those in the organization having a connection with the support providing body. did not meet its conditions. In the Negev Development Authority, a project was The Negev Development Authority Council must establish in advance clear approved even though it was doubtful that it would meet the Authority’s goals, benchmarks for scoring and evaluating candidates for positions in the Authority and in another project, one of the local authority’s employees worked to direct a and consider ways to improve the work of the search committees and the local authority to amend its application to obtain a higher support. information provided to them. CEO appointment process for the Negev Development Authority in 2016 - The Tender Committee in the Development Authorities must ensure that the A controversy arose among members of the committee regarding the work course of its discussions are reflected in the protocols of its meetings, including the experience of the selected candidate, with regard to management of a system defining of needs, budgetary framework and detailing the reasons for the tender of significant financial scope. It should be noted that the Appointment Review approval; the Authorities should improve the hiring processes of consultants Committee reviewed and approved the appointment. while ensuring that they receive reliable reporting from them while supervising over and controlling their work.
145 State Comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
The Ministry of Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee and the Negev and Galilee Development Authorities were established with the aim of bringing about economic, scientific and social development in the Negev and the Galilee, and their activities should have a significant impact on the Negev and the Galilee communities and their residents. The Ministry of Development and Development Authorities must work to remove various barriers to the participation of local authorities in the Negev and Galilee in projects initiated by the Ministry of Development and Development State Comptroller and Ombudsman Authorities, in order to ensure that most of the budgets for the projects are directed to weak local authorities. In addition, they must work efficiently and effectively, and Annual Report 70B | 2020 create proper control arrangements for the operation of projects and activities.
Ministry of Justice Registrar of Companies Database - Quality and Dissemination of Information
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Registrar of Companies Database - Quality and Dissemination of Information
Abstract
Background
In accordance with the provision of the law, one of the functions of the Registrar of Companies in the Ministry of Justice is to manage a database of companies by receiving information, reports and documents concerning companies and making them available for public review. The responsibility for managing the database rests with the Registrar of Companies unit, under the management of the Registrar of Companies. The Registrar of Companies database is a computerized, reliable and up- to-date database that enables the public to obtain information on listed companies and serves as a fundamental, central tier of the business sector’s activities in Israel and in commercial life in general. The database had about 593,000 companies listed in April 2019, about 60% of which were active, in the sense that they underwent no legal action of liquidation or write-off (active companies), and it included past and present information about them: their address, the directors who served there, shareholders and the proportion of their holdings in the company’s shares, liens on the company's assets and other documents submitted by the companies to the Registrar of Companies over the years, including their articles of association.
Key figures
593,000 226,418 171,760 Number of companies Inactive companies Active companies that are whose data are in the listed in the Registrar of defined in the database as Registrar of Companies Companies database those who have failed to database fulfill their obligations under the Companies Law
1.5 million 60,860 98,075 Requests for change of Companies are listed as Companies active in the company details were active in the database database, although they submitted to the Registrar and have never opened are not listed as active for of Companies in 2016 - a portfolio in the Tax Income Tax purposes
2018 Authority Abstract
NIS 264 million NIS 1.161 billion State revenues per year Debts of Companies on average from collecting to the Registrar of Registrar of Companies Companies as of fees December 2019
149 Abstract | Registrar of Companies Database - Quality and Dissemination of Information 151 service service 1 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual
It is appropriate that the Ministry of Justice draw conclusions from the findings the from conclusions draw of Justice the Ministry that It is appropriate companies that about the deficiencies in its engagement with the franchise and database Companies of Registrar the from it for information disseminate of their oversight financial and other conduct to failure those arising from from activities. There are several areas where there is a weakness in protecting the Registrar the Registrar in protecting weakness is a there where areas several are There information of the the scope reporting; unreliable from database of Companies Search" and the "Reverse extract a company in review public for available to annual reports of their companies by submission to pertaining regulation The than 90% of more that the fact is not optimal, given of Companies the Registrar manually. submitted are the reports 2019, from implemented tender new a including 2000s, the of beginning the Since of Justice of the Ministry Authority Protection in the Privacy register the database of the provisions enforce to sure not made have Companies of and the Registrar of Registrar the in originating information of dissemination regarding - law the - which were law by protected which includes information database, Companies privacy. the right to protect to established provided by the Registrar of Companies is not optimal; it is necessary to improve improve to is necessary it not optimal; is Companies of Registrar the by provided of in view in the register, contained of the information and relevance the reliability business the sector, banking the of operation orderly the for importance vital its bodies. and the institutional sector
Reverse Search is an output of a search of information that originates in the Registrar of Companies database, database, Companies of in the Registrar originates that of information is an output of a search Search Reverse positions in which they and directorship holdings in companies about a person’s information which contains in the database. listed company every throughout serve, Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit 1 The Registrar of Companies has put in place an online system for conducting company company conducting for an online system has put in place of Companies Registrar The enabling information, company updating for operations and additional registration increasing as well as burden, bureaucratic the of alleviation and service improved which the database, within operations executing for those requirements identification obtained. of the data help maintain the reliability the contractual the basis for which was tender, dissemination In the information changes made Companies of Registrar the 2019, January in commencing engagement night, and every is not transferred database the entire Firstly, significant issues. in two companies, which the franchisee from collection financial immediate is there - secondly during that clarified also Registrar The unnecessary. matter the in controls later makes and further will be examined agreement aspects of the engagement various 2020, the learned from carried out, based on lessons companies of the franchisee oversight Audit findings. Comptroller’s State year of engagement and the first carried out actions to companies of the audit, the franchisee the conclusion Prior to tender and the law of the provisions of their activities with the compliance promote documents. State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From February to September 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined Office Comptroller’s the State 2019, September to February From the things, other Among Companies. of Registrar the of work the of aspects were fields of its activity the core at of Companies activities of the Registrar the from information disseminating to actions related including examined, franchise the 2019 won that the companies it through managed by database and quality of the as the reliability as well Companies), (the Franchisee tender The date. up to was it extent what and to in this database contained information the of data the in contained information the of protection Companies of Registrar the offices at conducted was examination The also examined. was said database Corporations units in the headquarter Unit and at Companies of of the Registrar units of the carried out in several were Supplementary examinations Authority. the Israel Authority, Companies as the Government well as of Justice, Ministry the audit As part of the review, Authority. Tax the Israel and Securities Authority as sectors with the banking and business a public-sharing process conducted Life of Association the and Companies of Insurance the Association with as well (the bodies in Israel part of the institutional which are Companies, Insurance Bodies). Institutional The Ministry of Justice did not restrict the amount of commission a franchisee a franchisee the amount of commission did not restrict of Justice Ministry The companies franchisee the result, a As extract. company a of sale for collect could in the stipulated level the fee above 350% to 170% between a price charged regulations. As of December 2019, the companies’ debts to the Registrar of Companies in of Companies the Registrar debts to the companies’ 2019, As of December NIS to approximately and financial sanctions amounted of annual fees respect of financial in respect NIS 11.8 million were of which approximately billion, 1.161 to transferred was million 730 NIS approximately amount, this of Out sanctions. collected). (and not yet Center the Fine Collection The Ministry of Justice did not optimally manage its engagements with franchisee its engagements with franchisee did not optimally manage of Justice Ministry The work not did and activities their of control adequate maintain not did companies, signed regarding of the agreements with the full terms comply them to enforce to other the with compliance as well as public the from charge they fees of level the protection. privacy regarding of the law provisions use of the information of the repeated not aware was of Justice Ministry The given which was its databases, to unique access the direct, through produced the case did not assess and in any with which it engaged, companies certain to in such access. inherent value economic In the years 2005-2018, the Ministry of Justice extended its contractual its contractual extended of Justice the Ministry 2005-2018, In the years the it from for information disseminated that engagement with franchisees and public tender from using an exemption database, of Companies Registrar in respect the state due to of the full payment the receipt without guaranteeing data. making of the Registrar were of the use they
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Audit in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Registrar of Companies Database - Quality and Dissemination of Information 153 Lien on liens on of name company assets company certicate of Submitting updates Obtaining a copy of a Obtaining a copy incorporation or change incorporation
Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual
founding portfolio
Company Company Obtaining data on a Obtaining data persons holdings and persons positions in companies whether the a constitutive or a constitutive portfolio their registration company company copy of the copy Obtaining a declarative operation declarative Information received Information information update is update information from companies from companies from stage in the database, stage Performing a company registration process registration a company Performing and submitting company founding documents founding and submitting company Information provided by the Registrar for public review for the Registrar by provided Information portfolio Registrar of Companies database of Companies Registrar Obtaining a copy of a Obtaining a copy the scanned company the scanned company specic document from from specic document 1 1 0
1 1 0
extract company company Obtaining a of changes Company opening process, register update and disseminating the the and disseminating update register process, opening Company information to the public from the Registrar of Companies Database of Companies the Registrar from the public to information on various types on various Submitting regular and annualupdates According to the Registrar of Companies data, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office Comptroller’s the State by processed data, of Companies the Registrar to According State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The state revenues from the sale of company extracts to the public amount to the public amount to to extracts the sale of company from revenues state The of the total percent which is a few on average, about NIS 10 million per year that it is proposed Therefore, year. every of Companies of the Registrar collection of a company in respect collection the need for consider of Justice the Ministry light in and services, revenue-producing its of structure existing the given extract to available made is companies on data countries other some in that fact the of no cost. the public at In view of the government decision of August 2016, in which it was decided to decided to in which it was 2016, decision of August of the government In view of and in view only once, the public from information of receiving adopt a policy of Companies in the Registrar as active listed companies are there that the fact - it is Authority Tax the Income at portfolio an active but do not have database of reporting a uniform and create regulation reduce to ways explore to proposed authorities in the country. relevant to companies The Ministry of Justice must enforce the law on privacy protection with regards to to with regards protection on privacy the law enforce must of Justice Ministry The the public’s to database of Companies the Registrar from of information provision entities’ review. and business In view of the importance of the database of Registrar of Companies, as stated, as stated, Companies, of of Registrar of the database the importance of In view report the findings of this as to hold a discussion must of Justice the Ministry the to accessible the database make to the manner it is appropriate and as to this In optimal. is database the of content the that ensure must Ministry the public; of consumers information main the with consult to proposed also is it framework, and the relevant sector the business including the banking sector, the database, sector business to the it brings the benefits that ensure bodies, to institutional the business between balance maintaining an appropriate while maximized, are the is in whose data of the persons privacy the right to needs and sector’s database. The Ministry must insist that the franchisee companies fulfil their obligations in obligations fulfil their companies franchisee the that insist must Ministry The of their use to regards with them with signed agreements with the accordance Registrar, the from information obtaining for medium technological the unique of the the collection and for Ministry the to due of all payments the transfer for a legal manner. the public in from payments
Summary database, of Companies of the Registrar which is in charge of Companies, Registrar The that information relevant high-quality, up-to-date, in disseminating a major role plays bodies. and institutional sector the business in the banking sector, supports processes information of a source as database Companies of Registrar of the the centrality Given draw of Companies the Registrar that it is recommended activity, supporting economic also with the main information and hold consultations this report from conclusions and the sector the business sector, including the banking of the database, consumers to the can provide the database the benefits that that ensure bodies - to institutional balance while maintaining an appropriate maximized, are sectors aforementioned is in the whose data of the persons privacy their needs and the right to between database. State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services Treatment of High- Risk Youth
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Treatment of High-Risk Youth Abstract
Background
High-risk youth are 12 to 18 year-olds who have difficulty with personal and social functioning and undergo detachment processes to the point of deterioration to delinquency and social deviance. The state’s treatment of these youths focuses on their rehabilitation in unique frameworks in the community or out-of-home settings for the purpose of returning them to normative social functioning. The Ministries of Education and Welfare and the local authorities are responsible for providing assistance to this population and for supporting and caring for it through a variety of solutions, some in the field of education, such as Technology Education Centers (TECs) and a basic education complementary studies program (Hila program), and some in the welfare sphere such as community day centers (Miftanim1 and Meitars2) as well as locked or closed out-of-home dormitories, as detailed in this report.
Key figures
110,000 17,200 18 9 The number of Number of teens Number of street Number of teens and young in the Ministry of patrol vehicles government adults (aged 13- Education TECs for locating stray dormitories 25) who lived in and in community teenagers in 2018 distress, severance day centers of the and high risk in Welfare Ministry - 2018 Miftanim and Meitars - in 2018
827 14 195 16-fold Number of places Number of Youth The number of The ratio of the in Youth Protection Protection Authority teens waiting annual cost of a Authority frameworks to be placed teenager’s stay in an frameworks (hostels, boarding in government out-of-home setting (hostels, boarding houses, detention dormitories in June in a government houses, detention alternatives) closed 2019, sometimes dormitory (about alternatives) in 2019 from 2017 to 2019, about six months NIS 444,000) versus versus 648 places out of 48 a community day in 2009 center - Meitar Abstract (about NIS 26,700)
1 A rehabilitative-educational care day program designed for teens aged 13 to 18 and includes, among other things, food (hot meals), theoretical studies and employment spaces. 2 Multidisciplinary supporting day center - a center operating throughout the day designed for 12 to 18-year- olds who dropped out of school settings or have difficulty keeping up.
157 Abstract | Treatment of High-Risk Youth 159 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Ministry of Welfare must continue to work for the rehabilitation of the “Mesila” the rehabilitation for work to continue must of Welfare Ministry The of the entire of the renovation including the completion in all its aspects, dormitory the improvement of staff, and retention the stabilization structure, dormitory and responses of appropriate and the expansion of basic living conditions and emotional. both therapeutic possibilities, It is appropriate that the Ministry of Welfare work to consolidate data on the on data consolidate to work of Welfare the Ministry that is appropriate It of the an in-depth examination undertake of high-risk youth, number and location plan a formulate and country, the throughout centers day appropriate for need Ministry the with coordination in frameworks these of deployment national for solutions also include must program authorities. This and the local of Education ultra-Orthodox such as Arab, with special characteristics, populations to tailored and Bedouin youth. to determine work staff conduct of Education the Ministry that It is appropriate so dropouts de facto of becoming in the process teens detecting for the format as early as possible. can be performed their detection that unified a single, formulate Ministries and Welfare the Education that It is proposed regulate and accordingly, high-risk youth, identify and treat to vision and inclusive collaboration coordination, including mechanisms for their method of operation, pooling. and resource and data on based work staff conduct Welfare of Ministry the that proposed is It and dormitories in government the needs of youth regarding research up-to-date which policies from as set goals and treatment as well practices, care their best and derived, be will providers and care managers the dormitory for guidelines the Ministry The measures. restraint use of physical for the guidelines in particular youth solutions for of potential the number increase to work to continue must list. the waiting reduce to dormitories within government
The Ministry of Welfare has engaged with an outside nonprofit organization operating operating organization nonprofit with an outside has engaged of Welfare Ministry The the night in order spend to tend teenagers where places reaching it, for vehicles patrol met crews vehicle the patrol risk. In 2018, at and girls boys teen and assist locate to youth. with about 10,000 Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From November 2018 to October 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined examined Office Comptroller’s State the 2019, October to 2018 November From detachment undergoing detached or who are high-risk youth for care the state their detection, for including the system frameworks, educational from processes and them in the community; for intended responses of therapeutic the range was examination The dormitories. government in their treatment manner of local authorities and several and Education, of Welfare Ministries the at conducted in Welfare and girls staying of boys groups) (focus groups consultation through frameworks. Ministry Deficiencies have been discovered in the operation of the government dormitory dormitory of the government in the operation been discovered Deficiencies have in both - including a lack of basic conditions, years many girls “Mesila” for for personnel and managerial lack of skilled aspects, and therapeutic-mental physical on the matter. work has begun to of Welfare Ministry The instability. The Ministry of Welfare did not conduct a needs survey to examine the examine to a needs survey did not conduct of Welfare Ministry The and their and their families’ dormitories in government of youth characteristics including practices, their optimal care formulate to needs in order therapeutic abuse and sexual sexual of treatment the for or guidelines programs formulating therapy. and family and counseling, treatment psychological education, youth did not for measures restraint using physical staffs dormitory Government did not of Welfare and the Ministry as required, and guidance training receive its supervisory mechanism. including this use, governing a procedure establish The number of teens waiting to be placed in government dormitories is still large, large, is still dormitories in government be placed to waiting number of teens The placement, for list on the waiting were 200 teens approximately and in June 2019, 2008, the number since that the fact is despite This six months. sometimes up to that the fact and despite about two-thirds, by has been reduced of people waiting resources considerable has devoted of Welfare the Ministry years, two in the past capability. occupancy dormitories expanding to and attention The response of the Ministry of Welfare of the Miftanim and Meitars types is of the Miftanim and of Welfare the Ministry of response The for populations especially in the southern district, minimal, and this is reflected Bedouin youth. and such as ultra-Orthodox with special characteristics, The Ministries of Education and Welfare did not regulate work processes between between processes work did not regulate and Welfare of Education Ministries The As a result, of high-risk youth. rehabilitation for centers day them pertaining to not treated and are not located are - they the cracks” through “fall often teens them utilize and resources pool to Ministries for possible not is it and - time in costs of setting up and maintaining save in youth and the to benefit efficiently these frameworks. The Ministry of Welfare has no data on the number and location of high-risk youth, of high-risk youth, the number and location on has no data of Welfare Ministry The settings, in localities and in them - in educational locating and the actions for full information does not have of Education the Ministry lacking; - are cyberspace dropping of risk at students on data for except dropouts, facto de of extent the on it operates. centers educational in dedicated been placed already have out that
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Treatment of High-Risk Youth 161 556 455 2,200 13,800 15,000 44,700 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Risk axis 59,200 teens being treated in them, 2018 in them, being treated teens dormitory Government house Boarding 262 Hostel Miftan Meitar, solutions in the community** Various promotion Youth (TEC) Center Education Technology Track, Normal Matriculation Momentum for Challenge, classes* Full Matriculation
Solutions on behalf of Ministry of Social Affairs Solutions on behalf of Ministry of Education Solutions on behalf of Ministry Out-of-home solutions Out-of-home (axis the law the point of breaking to wandering exploitation, sexual substances, use of hazardous dropout, tip). Space. Learning of MLA - Another also includes the students data The In 2016. Solutions for high-risk teens and the number of and the number teens high-risk for Solutions Risk axis - The degree of risk of youth at high risk, such as frequent school absences, covert dropout and overt and overt dropout covert school absences, high risk, such as frequent at youth of risk of degree Risk axis - The and in out-of-home settings. in the community - Can be given Hila program Office. Comptroller’s the State by processed and Education, of Welfare of the Ministries the data to According * ** State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State High-risk youth are one of the weakest and most vulnerable populations in society. in society. populations vulnerable and most one of the weakest are High-risk youth unified and inclusive a single, formulate must and Welfare of Education Ministries The cooperation field, in own to act - each in its responsibilities, and fulfil their vision to of this and welfare the well-being - for cases the appropriate pooling in and resource as early as possible, assistance who need teens with locating starting population, response, therapy or community educational adapting their appropriate through the Improving in high-quality out-of-home settings. with placement and continuing into of integrating their chances increase will youths these to services and response in their adult lives. later lifestyle a normative society and maintaining Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Social Equality The National Digital Israel Program
Summary Annual Report 70B | 2020
The National Digital Israel Program
Summary
Background
The need for establishing a digital strategy for Israel was raised by the National Economic Council and was marked in May 2013 as one of six strategic issues which the government needed to address. In the same year, the government decided to establish the National 'Digital Israel' Program (henceforth also “The National Program”). In 2017, the government approved the National Digital Program for the years 2017-2020. The program presented the initiative’s goals and targets and the scope of its activities.
Key figures
144 1.114 billion NIS The number of projects included in Total budget approved in the years 2016- the Program in 2018. 89 of them were 2018 for the Digital Israel headquarters conducted by government ministries and for carrying out its responsibilities 55 by the Digital Israel headquarters
35% 50% The rate of activities marked for The rate of activities executed in the execution in the framework of the projects included in the Digital Program National Program in regard to which during each of the years 2016-2018 there were one or more obstacles delaying their execution
Audit Actions During the months of February – September 2019, The State Comptroller's Office examined the following subjects: execution of tasks in the framework of the National Program; the work of the inter-ministerial steering committee; mutual ties between Digital Israel headquarters and the government ministries executing projects in the framework of the Program; activities for adoption of indicators for the examination of the ultimate goals and the Program's strategic targets; the execution of two horizontal tasks: adaptation of the legislative infrastructure and Abstract adaptation of the government procurement procedures to the digital era. The audit was conducted in the Digital Israel headquarters based in the Ministry for Social Equality, and it included five government ministries performing projects pertaining to their range of activities in cooperation with the Digital Israel headquarters (Henceforth: “the implementing ministries”): the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Services, the
165 Abstract | The National Digital Israel Program 167 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Accountant General and the headquarters are required to act for the removal the removal act for to required are and the headquarters General Accountant The means including by procedures, in the domain of procurement of obstacles online and the use of and tenders of procurement the execution of advancing to suppliers encourage to in order tenders, as challenge means, such innovative and in order confront the ministries which to problems solutions innovative offer with suppliers. transact to the ministries assist to headquarters, and the of Statistics Bureau the Central that It is recommended the advance in of the Budgets Division, set up and approve with the cooperation the Central by of the task performed stages the future for necessary resources achievements. Program's of the National – the measurement of Statistics Bureau It is desirable that each of the implementing ministries aim to have the budget the budget have aim to implementing ministries each of the that It is desirable as signed headquarters plan with Digital Israel work annual joint summary of their near the beginning least or at year of the working start the before as possible far the implementing ministry provide to the headquarters will enable This of the year. are tasks the that so plan sooner, work in the out set tasks the the budget for with them. the timetable set for to according executed – which oversees Social Equality for and the Ministry implementing ministries The which might found obstacles remove act to – must headquarters the Digital Israel Program. in the National included the projects delay the inter-ministerial act so that to is required Social Equality for Ministry The is performing of this ministry) General the Director by (chaired committee steering decisions regarding the government to it according to all the functions attributed its work. team of the reactivation for the to act required is Office General’s Attorney The the Digital Israel to legislation of the adaptation the advance to in 2017 formed Program.
Government ministries which were engaged in digital projects in the national program program national in the in digital projects engaged which were ministries Government contributed has headquarters the Digital Israel with cooperation the that found have work with the in their transformation conduct a digital to their ability to significantly public. Some of the projects the to service better provide it and to aim of improving public use. for deliverables yielded already have initiated Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Ministry of Justice. Supplementary Supplementary Justice. of and the Ministry and Industry of Economy Ministry Government – the Office the Prime Minister's in conducted were examinations and Finance, of the Ministry Office, General’s the Attorney Division, and Society of Statistics. Bureau the Central Activity regarding adoption of indicators for the evaluation of the national of the national the evaluation for adoption of indicators regarding Activity in this activity: the budgets allocated a delay was - There achievements program's a year; only after approved the task were for of Statistics Bureau the Central to mid-2019. begun by the activity was therefore - In the year of 2017, the Ministry of Justice set up a up set Justice of Ministry the of 2017, year the In - team adaptation Legislative 'the National for necessary infrastructure legislation of the the adaptation for team as appointed deputies was General One of the Attorney – Digital Era'. Program mid- but by year, the same its work commenced team chairperson. The team of the team alia, the departure inter functioning, due to, it had stopped 2019 then and up Since office. General’s in the Attorney his work chairperson from not was work the team 2019, as of September namely, the audit completion, to renewed. - In Governmental Decision No. 1046 from the 1046 from Decision No. activity - In Governmental committee steering The a form to resolved was it Program, Israel Digital the established which 2019, year until the end of the audit, that found It was the Program. for committee steering only three been convened had the committee 2019, September as of namely, the plans for work and not approved had not examined committee times. The and 2019. 2018 2016, years - In regard to about 35% of the activities set to be of the activities set to about 35% to regard - In execution to Obstacles one were there of 2018, the year for Program national of the in the frame executed obstacles main recurring The execution. their which delayed obstacles or more and of time allocation lack the were implementing ministries the confronting in managers the of part the on projects Israel Digital of non-prioritization the lack of was headquarters Digital Israel facing main obstacle The those ministries. recruiting due to levels executive or intermediate the operational at employees delays. - In each year between the years of 2016 – 2019, the – 2019, 2016 of the years between - In each year date budget approval The between plan work annual joint the to relevant budget the summarizing document signed during the was headquarters, and Digital Israel ministry the implementing the signing of the summary it had begun. Only after than before rather year work the implementing ministry to transfer headquarters Digital Israel document, could the from transferred was budget the result, a As budget. the of portion its a number of months had only after the implementing ministries to headquarters cases, only during the and, in certain year the beginning of the work from passed of the budget in the receipt In some cases, the delay year. half of that second plan activities. of work of the execution caused the postponement
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Abstract | The National Digital Israel Program 169 7 4 and 0 7 5 Taxes Schooling education 18 10 cities Smart 56 43 Online Training (Campus) 1 4 45 0 Regulation Labor 4 Health Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 207 5 Number of projects in 2019 Number of projects 8 15 5 Government 36 20 Welfare procurement Economy 7 11 12 11 capital Human Law 9 13 Digital Literacy 5 2 9 Data 16 (updated for 2019) for (updated 3 0 Finance real estate real Housing and 16 Budget in 2019 in NIS million in NIS Budget in 2019 1 1 40 Core fields Core services Complex National Program core and horizontal issues issues and horizontal core Program National 5 0 Social Transversal fields Transversal Security inter-ministerial Authority Population Source: Digital Israel headquarters Digital Israel Source: State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State During the six years since the Government Decision from 2013 regarding the regarding 2013 Decision from the Government since During the six years been accomplished has work considerable Program, Israel of the Digital establishment it, in in involved ministries and the government headquarters Israel the Digital by local the and ministries the government of transformation a digital implement to order for the government set by targets the strategic goals and ultimate authorities. The those advance to impact. In order and social economic a broad have the Program, the budgets of in the Program: sum of money a large has invested goals, the state for the headquarters to approved budget the total that show 2018 - 2016 the years other billion NIS. The 1.114 approximately was of its undertakings, the implementation that It is desirable similarly. their activities budgeted have ministries government total the examines forum, of an inter-ministerial in the framework the government, and it until now yielded by the results as against the Program to dedicated investment to of such examination the results communicate to It is recommended in the future. the public. Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Ministry of Religious Services Activity of the Jewish Identity Division in the Ministry of Religious Services
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Activity of the Jewish Identity Division in the Ministry of Religious Services
Abstract
Background
A government decision in September 2013 established the Directorate of the Jewish Identity as a division within the Ministry of Religious Services. The goal of this division, as defined in the government decision, is to act “for the advancement and strengthening of Jewish identity among various social groups and for the intensification of awareness and self-identification within the Israeli society with the basic elements of Jewish identity and the Jewish and national legacy to all parts of the Jewish people”. In order to implement its goal, the division's activity is undertaken in cooperation with different organizations with which it forms agreements.
Key figures
September 2013 79 million NIS Establishment of Jewish Identity Division Division budget in the year 2019
67% 131 million NIS Rate of budget utilization in 2019 The budget utilized by the division in the years 2015 to 2019
Audit Actions In the months of August to September 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined activities of the division in the domain of transactions including compliance with elementary principles of competitiveness and equality of opportunities; support and budgeting; control and supervision; and lack of conflict of interests. The audit was carried out in the Jewish Identity Division and in the Ministry of Religious Services - in the accountancy office, in the legal office and in the procurement section. Supplementary examinations were conducted in the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Justice, and in the General Abstract Comptroller’s Office in the Ministry of Finance. Supplementary checks were made in a number of associations carrying out projects for the division.
173 Abstract | Activity of the Jewish Identity Division in the Ministry of Religious Services 175 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual It is recommended that the division formulate an orderly mechanism for mechanism for an orderly the division formulate that It is recommended and of Education with the Ministry especially with other ministries, coordination its activities. to related in everything of Agriculture the Ministry of its plans, the and supervision of the execution control ensure to In order of the Minister the implementation consider must Services of Religious Ministry of bodies subsidiary to and supervision control guidelines regarding of Finance it transactions; contractual by concluded projects including institutions, public the execution of the for percent 0.5 least of at allocation the should also consider and supervision activities. control and quantitative of qualitative the of office accountancy the with coordination in division, the that proposed is It proposals, for price request in the offers in its call to integrating consider ministry, detailed. and goods are services in which the required form digitized a structured and only required the items all include will proposals price the manner, In this to it is proposed Also, is possible. offers between a comparison them, so that shall not exceed proposal the price that form in that emphasize to consider be must the offeror by items of additional the inclusion and that NIS, 50,000 section. made in a separate It is recommended to include in the division website information regarding regarding information include in the division website to It is recommended to and in regard in Israel it, their goal and their locations activities carried out by carrying out the programs. with the organizations the method of registering concerning policy a uniform the division formulates that It is recommended online reporting provide may associations which the various the manner by of number the including them, by out carried and planned activities the regarding the division of such reports, on the basis cross-section` regional participants, by the that It is further recommended all activity. for an annual report will formulate of its activities of efficiency the measure goals regarding division set qualitative and which examine identity, of Jewish the strengthening to and their contribution integration consider to it is desirable its goals. In this framework, with compliance the assess to division the enable will which public the by provided feedback of of the participants in its activities. satisfaction of measure - When the Division Manager took office in 2014, in office took Manager the Division - When regulation of interests Conflict required. was this although arrangement of interest a conflict formulate he did not formulated. was audit, such an arrangement During the
The division has created a pilot program for measurements and assessment of one of and assessment measurements for a pilot program division has created The submitted had detailed, in a report company The company. an external by the projects and measurement the selection of criteria rules for and recommendations 2019, in May assessment. projects guidelines for Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State - The audit by it - The activities financed for the division made by Double payment different two NIS to of 28,000 the division had paid a total that has found during the months of July-August the same activity conducted for associations the audit report to response In his and the same time. in the same place 2018 of and care had been taken the issue that the division manager reported draft, associations. the relevant to issued was a refund a demand for that - Although the division had taken steps to to steps - Although the division had taken with other ministries Coordination transactions to in regard of Education with the Ministry coordination advance the and supports, subsidizes of Education the Ministry in which in domains subject matter of the activities' examination a general to referred coordination all the to the planned activity details and without referring without examining 2 out of that further found plans. It was activities types included in the various the a subsidy from receiving eligible for declared which were 13 associations there and Agriculture, of Ministry the from also subsidies received had division, in this matter. the ministries between no coordination was - The division's examination of the offers received received of the offers division's examination NIS - The 50,000 up to Transactions not optimal: in 16 out was procedure competition of the limited in the framework for received proposals price three of out audit, the by examined transactions 17 of the other NIS, therefore of 50,000 in the range only one was each transaction, complying with the rules and only one offer rejected were provided offers two economic the best or of 17 cases (about 30%), the cheapest out left. In five was for 24%), the division had not a basis four cases (about in selected; was not offer offer. select the best to in order comparison - In the year 2019, the division stopped performance performance the division stopped 2019, - In the year publication Public tenders or by (in a joint venture law by exemption of tender means by of transactions by and began undertaking transactions Agency) with the Jewish a transaction and equal competitiveness for incentive additional was there so that tender, years 2014 the during that the audit indicate the findings of however, opportunity; the division, which had begun by concluded in six out of nine transactions 2018, to project the conducting currently associations the tender, from exemption with jointly, won associations two in one transaction the subsequent tender; also won changed. the supplier was transactions, and in two The ministry’s website contains a page detailing the activities financed by the the activities financed a page detailing contains website ministry’s The associations the to references contain does not information division. But the fee, the participating their location, specific dates, the activities, their executing etc.. its activities goals for quantitative division has set - The Goals measurement of distribution participants and the geographic - number of on results focused of which check the quality of outcome not set up measures activity - but it did on the participants and as measuring the impact of activities the activities, such Jewish strengthening i.e. - achieved was goal decision's government the whether identity.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
The situation as seen in the examination of the division transactions, points to the need for a significant improvement of some of its activities, and especially the creation of coordination mechanisms between the division and other ministries – the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture, and a fundamental improvement of the control and supervision conducted by the division on the associations executing its plans and of the transactions made by it.
Main plans which the division had executed for State Comptroller and Ombudsman Jewish identity, 2013 Annual Report 70B | 2020
Countrywide The plan Plan goal deployment Ministry of Communications Characterizing Jewish identity values as a “Periphery” likable, uniting and dominant element within 30 centers project Israeli society in general, and among youth and countrywide youngsters from the periphery, in particular. Independence of
Intensification of Jewish identity awareness Seminaries for 30 centers among the country citizens with emphasis on Regulatory Bodies students. countrywide the students population. in the Broadcasting Events during Intensification of students' familiarity and self- 30 centers the course of the identification with central themes of the legacy countrywide annual calendar. of the Jewish and / or Israeli nation. Sector
A plan for Jewish Nurturing Jewish identity as a pivot of mutual Abstract identity in the connection in the family, the community and Countrywide community. the Israeli society.
Establishing study groups of youngsters for Zionism and ongoing volunteer work in different Zionist Countrywide Judaism organizations.
Family, including Intensification of family values and prevention connectivity of family crises, connection among people, and Countrywide plans (“Close to nurturing communal fabric and unity by means Heart”). of common ideological activity.
Source: Division data Annual Report 70B | 2020
Independence of Regulatory Bodies in the Broadcasting Sector
Abstract
Background
The media is of great importance in the fabric of democratic life and the exercise of freedom of expression. The field of broadcasting is a meeting point between varying public interests, between important economic interests and between political interests, arising from the fact that communication influences public discourse and public opinion formulation. This is particularly the case with news reports and current affairs content, through which the general public is provided with information on processes and decisions on political and economic issues. The establishment of dedicated independent regulators, including the Broadcasting Councils, is intended to increase the professionalism and professionalization of the regulatory bodies and to provide stability, consistency and certainty in the area under their auspices, all while maintaining the independence of the regulator.
Key figures
3.23 billion NIS 18% 1.7 million NIS Broadcasting domain Proportion of revenues in the Number of multi- revenues in 2018 broadcasting sector from the total channel television revenue of the communications subscribers in 2018 market in 2018 15 13 12 74 Number of members Number of Number of Number of in the Second members in the members in the advisory bodies Authority Council for Cable and Satellite Council of the available for Television and Radio Council Israeli Broadcasting selection by the Corporation Second Authority Council members Abstract
179 Abstract | Independence of Regulatory Bodies in the Broadcasting Sector 181 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual It is proposed to implement the government's decisions on changing the structural decisions on changing the structural implement the government's to It is proposed in sector the broadcasting and in general sector of the communications model is to This councils. broadcasting split model of the two including the particular, and will efficient and uniform is independent, in this area regulation that ensure goals. broadcasting of long-term realization the lead to the consultation improve to ways should consider of Communications Ministry The bodies' the advisory to be given to the weight including examining process, of the advisory bodies to the responsiveness increase and to recommendations, to it is proposed In this context, appointment process. be part of the council's it to reducing and the aim of improving of advisory bodies with the list examine should help This the purpose of consultation. bodies for relevant include the most and of the law requirements the and fulfil process the consultation streamline to General. the guidelines of the Attorney its refine the need to examine of Justice the Ministry that It is recommended including on Council, appointment of the Broadcasting the to guidelines in regard otherwise, or affiliation political severing of the time period set for the question detailed establishing or by standards means of setting general whether by the procedure. guidelines for within which structure the organizational whether examine to It is proposed of budget and operations, in terms operates, Council the Cable and Satellite an independent for required of independence the degree for does indeed allow public appointing the model for to in regard same is true The regulator. dedicated without consultation. appointed who are the council, to representatives
Summary of and the exercise of life fabric in the democratic importance media is of great The outlined in recommendations and Furthering the examinations expression. of freedom in the sensitive of independent regulation the existence to contribute may this report of reorganization main areas: in three and broadcasting communications field of field; modes of appointment and of the broadcasting arrangement the structural and budgetary aspects. termination; The State Comptroller's Office welcomes the adoption of the report's findings by the findings report's adoption of the the welcomes Office Comptroller's State The actions. of corrective and the implementation of Communications Ministry Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From November 2016 to April 2018, the State Comptroller's Office examined examined Office Comptroller's State the 2018, April to 2016 November From broadcasting. in independence bodies' of the regulatory aspects intermittently independent an of establishment the to relating aspects includes This Authority Second appointment of members of the authority; communications conducted audit was The Council. Satellite and Cable of the independence Council; conducted were Supplementary examinations of Communications. the Ministry at the Council, the Cable and Satellite and Radio Authority, Television the Second at of Justice. the Ministry and Authority, Companies Government : The Second Second : The Authority the Second appointment of a permanent CEO to in Delay without a permanent years than three more for has been operating Authority its a long time without a CEO, an authority has been running for When CEO. its perform to required and it lacks the resilience is vulnerable independence duties optimally. professional Council Cable and Satellite : The Council of the Cable and Satellite Independence significant aspects of in many of Communications depends on the Ministry its affect may aspects. This including budgetary and manpower its operation, as decisions and implement them make and ability to functional independence required. Complementary Procedure for Appointing Members to the Second Authority Authority the Second Members to Appointing for Procedure Complementary the Second to appointed members were : Although 3 more in 2018-2017 Council directives, with the existing in accordance of 6 applicants) (out Council Authority took bodies advisory 74 the of 17 only bodies, advisory all to sent were calls and the Second for of 14 candidates the list process; the consultation part in active the nominating by approval for submitted - of which 6 were Council Authority sent on the part of the then- of candidates proportion a large - included committee the by proposed candidates to compared (about 70%) of Communications Minister that and reasons considerations the of no record is there (30%); bodies advisory candidates the exclude or include to whether decision Minister's the underpinned 60% he formulated; of candidates the list the advisory bodies, from by proposed had affiliation of candidates on the list the minister by proposed of the candidates or his party or Communications of the then Minister with affiliation or past the council, to appointed members were In the end, three ministers. government and another the Minister by proposed among the candidates of whom were two bodies. the advisory by recommended candidate : For about two decades, about two model: For and multichannel broadcasting Commercial of the structure changing the regulatory recommended have public committees These in particular. sector and the broadcasting field in general communications one from decisions, the last in government anchored were recommendations been implemented. not yet but have 2015,
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Independence of Regulatory Bodies in the Broadcasting Sector 183 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 2019 X the government the government not decisions were implemented 7 government government decisions were made within which the committee recommendations prescribed were communications sector communications 9 committees the need discussed the change to of the regulation communications and field in general the broadcasting field in particular Restructuring the regulation of the the regulation Restructuring State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State 1996 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Chapter 3 Enforcement Agencies and State Representatives in Judicial Instances State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Fighting Crime Through Economic Enforcement and Forfeiture
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Fighting Crime Through Economic Enforcement and Forfeiture
Abstract
Background
Among the law enforcement agencies in Israel and around the world, there is an increasing realization that in order to combat serious crime and organized crime, criminal law and imprisonment or fines are not sufficient. Against this backdrop, the outline of economic enforcement has taken shape, according to which enforcement bodies cooperate with the aim of depriving the offender from the financial benefit gained from the offense. Forfeiture is a powerful means of depriving the offender from the property under his control, including the profit derived from the criminal activity, and transferring it to the State by judicial order. In order to prevent the smuggling of assets and to assist in the use of forfeiture, Israeli law permits the seizure of property temporarily already during the course of an investigation, pending the final decision in the legal process.
Key figures
4.2 billion NIS 454 million NIS 817 million NIS The amount seized by The amount judged in The amount handled the police in economic forfeiture orders in cases by the Administrator enforcement proceedings that ended in the years General in the forfeited in 2016-2018. In the case of 2016 to 2018, of which property management a large part of the forfeited NIS 294 million were in fund. 78% of the amount items, a judgement has not cases that began with in temporary seizure and yet been made seizure of property the balance in finalized forfeiture
707 million NIS 430 million NIS 800 million NIS The amount agreed to be The amount in the The amount caught in paid in favor of the State money laundering the framework of "mega Treasury, as part of the forfeiture fund that was files" and are in waiting economic enforcement pending for distribution more than a year for the carried out in five cases that to the budgeted prosecution's decision ended in a settlement and enforcement bodies for Abstract without a money laundering the years 2016 through conviction mid-2019. By mid-2019, the budgeted entities have utilized NIS 227 million of this sum.
189 Abstract | Fighting Crime Through Economic Enforcement and Forfeiture 191 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Policymakers in the Justice Department and the police must examine the examine must Department and the police in the Justice Policymakers according amounts and the amounts forfeited the seizure between discrepancies the property of the value between shortfalls and any orders, the forfeiture to the in deposited amounts the and offender the from taken had court the that be made within is to This proceeding. the end of the forfeiture funds at forfeiture regarding should be implemented actions that of the assessment the framework implemented. are they and how activities enforcement economic handling lengths of time for the shorten to work must system prosecution The of the effectiveness increase to in order enforcement economic cases involving as a whole. the procedure work the division of regulate must Office and Public Prosecutor's Tax The lack the of implications and scope the given cases, offense tax serious regarding capability and deterrence the public coffers, and of the harm to of treatment system. in the enforcement public trust into look should courts the of administration the and Justice of Department The provided recommendation officials and the the claims of senior enforcement of the establishment consider and to Report Force Task in the Financial Action It is proposed that the State Prosecutor's Office, the Police, the Tax Authority Tax the Police, the Office, Prosecutor's the State that It is proposed and controlled validated a joint, reliable, build to unit work and the forfeiture for one party will be responsible whereby an arrangement and establish database, submit a periodic to party will be required This of all the data. the consolidation will information this and Committee Standing the to as well as parties all to report procedures. and forfeiture seizure improve be used to in the enforcement and collection authority to identify the appropriate entity to to entity appropriate the identify to authority collection and enforcement the in to be transferred. are forfeited fines and money which the - Despite efforts made by the intelligence, investigation investigation intelligence, the by made efforts Despite - abroad assets of Forfeiture no forfeiture abroad, assets seize and locate identify, bodies to and enforcement Israel. to transferred funds were
- Since the previous State Comptroller's Comptroller's State the previous - Since of the “Super Team” the work Improving mapping risks and formulating plan for published, a strategic was on the issue report expected also is move This begun. has policies enforcement economic enforcing and conduct. Committee's the Standing streamline to bodies period, the enforcement - During the audit practices work of joint Formulation enforcement, economic in the field of and enact joint guidelines formulate began to items. types of forfeited the divided by council forfeiture fund - The forfeiture of the strength financial Maintaining the the tax authorities and the Anti- the police, NIS 430 million to approximately allocated while maintaining 2016-2019 in Financing Authority Terrorism Laundering and Money deficit. a future and preventing the fund's stability Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State During the months of February - July 2019, the State Comptroller's Office Office Comptroller's State the 2019, July - February of months the During forfeiture and enforcement economic crime through against the fight reviewed The 2020. February until conducted were reviews Supplementary property. of include that cases management to obstacles on examining has focused report phase in the temporary seizure of property and the scope enforcement economic Police, the Israel at conducted was examination The forfeiture. final the to relative and Official General Administrator of the Office the Office, Attorney's the State (AMLA) and Laundering Authority the Anti-Money Authority, the Tax Receiver, Council. the Forfeiture - It was Fund - It was Laundering Prohibition in the Money deposit money to Failure in the not deposited NIS 80 million were approximately in 2015-2018, that found difficulty IT to due and realization assets to obstacles legal of because partly fund, - During the years funds - During the years seized temporarily management of effective Need for system financial the in deposited were million NIS 350 approximately 2014-2018, funds and other forfeited between without distinction comptroller of the police until the the police, by deposited funds are seizure The as exhibits. funds seized account, (AG) General in the Accountant of the criminal proceedings, completion and not in the property in 2017) (0.1% rate interest which carries the Bank of Israel's is higher (about 5% in 2017). rate which the interest management fund for Litigation and potential infringement of property rights and public finances as rights and public finances infringement of property and potential Litigation in economic legal proceedings in handling and managing of long delays a result case investigation large - Two cases and serious tax offenses enforcement total forfeiture with a year, than a for more Office been in the Prosecutor's have an file to whether on decision a for waiting million, 800 NIS approximately of taxation), with indirect (dealing legal department Authority indictment. In the Tax years. for several been pending have than 300 cases of serious tax offenses more - which is responsible for obtaining, collecting obtaining, collecting for body - which is responsible of a coordinating Absence in the all entities participating to available the full information and analyzing the office, prosecutor's the (including the police, chain enforcement economic and picture reliable and complete a obtain to order in GG) the and authority tax system. for the entire measures effectiveness derive to to the prosecutor units investigating from of files Bottleneck in the transfer in the the increase gap between is a significant unit - There and the forfeiture the and authorities investigative other and police the by opened files investigation forfeiture the and bodies prosecution the of ability the and property of seizures 2016- In the years items. the forfeited realize and to handle those cases unit to no was but there in forfeitures, a 220% increase approximately was there 2018, handles those cases. As of the that change in the personnel allocation significant cases under its the of about 40% unit has completed the forfeiture end of 2019, has been granted. order forfeiture in which a final responsibility
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Fighting Crime Through Economic Enforcement and Forfeiture 193 In assessments 259 169 726 226 957 294 orders As part of applications In forfeiture As part of seizure In 37 Sums are in NIS million Sums are Receipts for the money fines As part of judicial decisions* that started with forfeiture started that Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual laundering forfeiture fund** Portfolios that ended in 2016-2018 that Portfolios In forfeiture orders in money laundering in money orders In forfeiture 2018 1,897 2017 1,487 Police seizure data seizure Police by section by years by section by Sums are in NIS million Sums are Economic Enforcement Data for 2018-2016 for Data Enforcement Economic 2016 864 did not commence in forfeited items. For example, in the framework of five cases that ended in agreements ended in agreements cases that of five framework in the example, For items. in forfeited did not commence NIS 221 million in fines and NIS orders, NIS 160 million in forfeiture laundering conviction, without a money judged. were tax assessments, 326 million in income years. in previous SOURCE: Police, prosecutor's office and forfeiture data processed by the State Comptroller's Office. Comptroller's State by the processed data forfeiture and office prosecutor's SOURCE: Police, that even in cases (tax charges) assessments fines and forfeitures, include deliverables office prosecutor's * The ended cases that from received also were that in 2016-2018 receipts forfeiture the fines and to sum refers ** The State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State It is appropriate that the Ministry of Justice, the Administrator General and the and General Administrator the of Justice, the Ministry that It is appropriate needs and challenges the examine of Finance Ministry of the Budget Department and adapting of its activities the scope account unit, taking into of the forfeiture including manner, needs, in a forward-looking its diverse to the workforce the unit's powers. of increasing possibility of the consideration special courts - or the extension of the jurisdiction of economic courts - to deal - to courts of economic the jurisdiction of or the extension - special courts adopt another means or to proceedings, laundering and money with forfeiture these files. hearing to response and quick a professional will provide that
The findings of this report present three main challenges before the enforcement the enforcement before main challenges three report present findings of this The that database of a comprehensive consolidation and the compilation bodies: one, initial seizure the between shortfalls the mapping for a basis as alia, inter serve, will treasury. or the state funds the forfeiture for amounts and the disbursement funds the to related is a fundamental issue is analyzed data enforcement economic way The realization the crime and against fight in the used tools the between needed balance persons accused and suspected of rights the of aspects and goals, forfeiture of as a means of using forfeiture for and the concern their property, and damage to prolongation the with dealing is challenge second The charges. other of enforcement of effectiveness and the efficiency to which is a major obstacle of the proceedings, interfaces the work and improving - strengthening the third and enforcement; economic that developments technological the account into taking agencies, enforcement the of world. It is appropriate the and around crime in Israel the field of economic characterize level and the professional as policymakers these challenges be in the forefront that of and implementation with the assessment authorities proceed of the enforcement activities. enforcement economic Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Criminal Detentions in Israel Detention Proceedings - Israel's Police and Courts
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Detention Proceedings - Israel's Police and Courts
Abstract
Background
The right to freedom is a fundamental right in Israel by virtue of the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom. A person's arrest infringes upon the person’s personal liberty. The Detention Act empowers law enforcement agencies to limit a person's freedom by way of detention or holding. Many elements are involved in criminal detention proceedings: The police decide on the detention according to the powers granted to them in or by the power of the Detention Act to take measures for the prevention and detection of offenses, catching criminals and the maintenance of public order and security of life and property. Arrest procedures are conducted in courts and the Courts Administration assists the judiciary.
Key figures
About 174,000 16% 35% arrests were made in the Proportion of all the The proportion of years 2016-2018 according to detainees in 2016- 2018 arrests in which Israeli police data 2018who were released there was a petition for before being brought detention of the suspect before a judge until the end of legal proceedings
21 156 million NIS 7 days Number of detainees per day Were deposited in police Median detention brought on average before a and courts as bail and duration from the judge in each of the district not returned as ofAugust earliest detention date courts in 2018 2019. Most of it held by to the date of the end of the court administration detention
66% 5 years
of (examined) requests for The number of years police have not collected data Abstract appointment of defense on the use of a commissioned officer's authority to counsel were forwarded to grant conditional release at the police station, so the Public Defender's Office there is no clear picture regarding the situation in only after the detainee had this matter already been questioned
197 Abstract | Detention Proceedings - Israel's Police and Courts 199 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual - The objectives set by the Commissioner of Police of Police the Commissioner set by objectives - The detention regarding Controls of detentions the number of indices involving goals use of in reduction a for called been goals have annual detention districts, in three However, or indictments filed. Commissioner the Police with inconsistent are that of arrests set in the area is being shifted work district that concern is growing there As a result, objectives. of of conceptions assimilation and that or under-policing, over-policing toward will be harmed. indices Commissioner within Police values with detention in connection of video conferences issue - The Conferences Video the between disputes 2013, and since years, for hearings has not been promoted in has been furthered not been decided and no legislation have parties involved the matter. - Over the years, the court system has system court the years, the Over - restitution and guarantee Deposit been yet not and which were as bail deposited sums of money large accumulated deposited million were NIS 148 2019, In August the eligible persons. to reimbursed of action put All courses of all deposits. - about 47% cases arrests in 42,855 deposited the of of reimbursement the problem address to courts the by forward Police or completed. promoted not been have eligibility issue, funds, including the which have moneys NIS 8 million in deposited approximately accumulated have the eligible persons. to be reimbursed to yet in the applications filing detention for limit the time - Courts of Courts Availability practices the detention Also, early morning hours only. in the courts magistrate’s uniform. not are the country across in districts
Lodging detainees at the stations - Since the previous audit, the number of detainees audit, the number the previous - Since stations the detainees at Lodging detainees in 2015 23,000 - from has decreased nationwide stations police at boarded detainees in 2017. 3,694 to and 1 . 2 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From March to June 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined the systemic systemic examined the Office Comptroller's the State June 2019, to March From the deals with chapter This agencies. enforcement law of various treatment analyzing audit actions included The system and the courts of the Police conduct stations police districts, police visits to and 2016-2018 for databases police - For a decade now, the court administration and administration the court a decade now, of detainees - For release Conditional sufficient use of do not make the police argued that have office public defender's station, police the detainees at of release conditional upon decide to powers its say On the other hand, the police unnecessarily. court them to bring but rather argue and they are limited, in charge of the officer the powers this is because that on data collect not did police the However, expanded. be should powers his that examined arrests 30,000 of the approximately 52% In approximately the matter. release had for decision court's ultimate the Office, Comptroller's the State by in charge. been within the authority of the officer - The police do not record do not record police - The with an attorney consultation to of the right Exercise that ensure to take manner all the actions it must and comprehensive in a regular on the including data with an attorney, consult his right to the detainee exercises In 23% of attorney. for the appointment of a defense time of filing an application the after only sent and prepared was form application the examined, arrests the it send to decision officer's overseeing the despite interrogated, was detainee consultation to right the that concern is there Therefore, interrogation. the before in these cases. has been violated - Israeli police data on data police - Israeli the public to their presentation and records Detention only Journal, present published in the Statistical arrests, the number of criminal 2016 In the years use. authority's of the detention of the extent a partial picture of cases, hundreds In arrests. 123,000 about not include did data the 2018, to reports cases, the detention In many found. was arrest of the a double record of the In 24% detention: during the the actions taken only partially documented Only specify the cause of detention; did not officer the police reports, detention the to brought the detainee was the date stated reports of the detention 57% the between an inconsistency was there that found also It was station. police of about 5% compared in the use of the holding authority (an increase seen trend and the overall authority the use of detention to in regard and the trend 2017) to of 11% and 2.5%, during the same period (a decrease of cases investigated scope respectively). courts
In the Capital Center Station (Jerusalem), the City Quarters Station (Tel Aviv), Ramle, Haifa and Be’er Sheva Be’er and Haifa Ramle, Aviv), (Tel Station the City Quarters (Jerusalem), Station In the Capital Center and Beer Sheva. Aviv in Jerusalem, Tel courts magistrates' The 2 1 The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | Detention Proceedings - Israel's Police and Courts 201 35% 65% 2018 53,269 34% 66% 2017 60,019 Total detentions Total Current decade Current 67% 33% 2016 60,844 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual 27% 73% 2008 58,377 76% 24% 2007 56,686 The early 2000s The the proceedings 75% 25% 2006 52,423 Detention until another Detention decision and until the end of 15% 85% 1998 38,116 14% 86% 1997 31,976 The 1990s The 11% 89% 1996 The changes in the scope of criminal arrests criminal arrests of changes in the scope The 39,664 in the last three decades, by type of detention decades, by three in the last Short-term detention Short-term Summary the needs of criminal between a balance requires management of detention The of presumption the and detainee the of liberty personal to right the and investigation - lack of of arrests activity in the area police in the Israeli flaws were There innocence. lack a lawyer, consult the right to of as the exercise of detainees' rights, such observance supervision and use of professional inadequate of its activities, and of documentation limits administration the court that been found It has also of arrests. in the area control reimbursement a solution for found it has not yet and that the police, to its accessibility an play police the that the fact persons. Despite eligible (bail) to of deposit money does it - decision release the to phase detention the from - area this in role important of protection the it carries out and regarding on the actions data complete not have the rights of detainees. State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The Ministry of Justice should consider advancing the regulation of video regulation the advancing should consider of Justice Ministry The and resolve and discuss framework, legislative within a proper conferences the years. over been raised have that disputes The court administration must consider the allegations raised in connection with connection in raised allegations the consider must administration court The on the practice, in and their effect, court secretariats in the requests the filing of agencies involved. enforcement actions of all law is advised to administration – the courts of deposit money the return As for including, the problem a solution to in promoting assist to further steps consider and publicizing it; launching an online on a website alia: launching the service inter Bank Post the funds through the receiving details; and payment contact for form finding in assistance possible examining transfer; bank by only not and cash in other parties. from information contact updated It is proposed that the Police Commissioner ensure that the number of controls the number of controls that ensure Commissioner the Police that It is proposed with its obligations comply to incentive station's the police and that is increased, and audit the control that it is proposed this end, To will increase. under law Division, in the districts, and Intelligence in the Investigations activities conducted command senior the before brought be stations, the in and areas, different the in and frequency. its nature assess to in order of the police The police must collect data regarding the use of detention alternatives, from the from alternatives, the use of detention regarding data collect must police The in the secretariat a request the filing of through in charge decision of the officer in the court. laid down the conditions and up to of the court, The police is required to document data in regard to arrests in an orderly manner in an orderly arrests to in regard document data to required is police The a conduct will enable it to documentation This systems. in the computerized the make and to of detention of the use of powers examination comprehensive prepared are the reports that ensure the public. It must to available data complete and online. systems using the computerized document all in charge and officers investigators that ensure must police The enable to consultation, of the right to the implementation for steps precedent of claims in a the examination and supervision and control, national-level by an was interrogated the case when the detainee This is also specific case file. charge. in an officer before being brought to prior investigator
Main Audit Recommendations Audit Main State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Criminal Detentions in Israel Conditions of Detention in the Israel Prison Service
Summary Abstract | Conditions of Detention in the Israel Prison Service 205 2020 44,234 700 Number of detainees with which the criminal record IPS has absorbed in 2018; released 62% of them were days as detainees for the High set by date The IPS compliance for Court to with the requirement a minimum living allocate meters of 4.5 square space per inmate Number of summonses of legal hearings for inmates court sent daily from are the across secretaries IPS to country May May Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Number of employment Number of employment in positions of IPS staff are of which 1,143 2018, within the Nachshon Unit Number of inmates Nahshon in by escorted 200,820 about to 2018 legal hearings. Nahshon km about 28,500 covers daily in travelling 9,020 404,770 Key figures Key Background 33 Number of incarceration by operated facilities the country, IPS across including 9 detention facilities 40% of short-term rate The within detainees released hours about 24 2027 the government's to when, according year The meet the the IPS will be able to decision 3595, of 4.5 a minimum living space allocate to requirement per inmate meters square Conditions of Detention in the Israel the Israel in of Detention Conditions Service Prison Abstract fundamental rights and as recognized are liberty right to and the dignity to right The The Dignity and Liberty. Human rights in the Basic Law: as constitutional established as innocent, considered and still been convicted yet of a person who has not arrest (IPS) - Prison Service Israel The way. material in a most freedom the right to violates throughout facilities incarceration operates - Israel of organization incarceration the security prisoners, and civilian detainees and criminal prisoners, where the country held. prisoners are unit is persons. The incarcerated escorting for Nachshon is the IPS's main unit detainees in the guarding wings in the courts, securing the waiting for responsible to them and escorting centers detention the detainees to transferring the courtrooms, interrogations. police State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State Abstract | Conditions of Detention in the Israel Prison Service 207 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual IPS activity to improve conditions in detention centers in general and in the old and in the in general centers in detention conditions improve IPS activity to be must in particular, center and in the Jerusalem detention centers detention budgeted and formulated be will that action of plan comprehensive a upon based for deadlines setting and met be to required shortfalls the prioritizing after and detailed schedules. implementation contain in the courts cells map out which waiting must administration court The a formulate and standard meter one square the per detainee below a living area hearings. their court of detainees awaiting conditions the living improve plan to in dispute remain the points that mediate of Public Security must Ministry The between the signing of the agreement and the IPS after the police between and reach the parties meet their commitments that bodies and ensure the two 2021. May by agreements and analyze as possible as soon routes all of Nachshon's escort IPS should review also examine It must be optimizee. may so they way them in a computerized tasks new the tasks, including the perform to required of manpower the extent change of routes whether a systemic as examine been detailed, as well have that the inmates accompanying employees Nachshon the number of reduce could In addition, the IPS and the courts. to of the detainees and the long journeys escorting to alternatives promoting look into of Public Security must the Ministry centers alongside detention building courts detainees - using video conferences, centers. in detention rooms interrogation police and establishing The government should regard the implementation of the High Court decision as decision Court High the of implementation the regard should government The desirable It is the basic dignity of the inmates. secure aimed to project a national in the the response formulating for procedures planning and preparation that up the shortfall make IPS both to by be undertaken infrastructure of prison area and in places) ruling (4,000 with the High Court in accordance in infrastructure places). prison needs (about 8,000 of the long-term view - The court administration does does administration court Summoning Detainees - The for Interface Computer both bodies to with the IPS, forcing interface computer the optimize to not work the information not suitable for which are procedures, work outdated preserve the IPS work. and burdens resources public and cause wasted era technology - From - From vehicles in the escort staying backgrounds with psychiatric Detainees in examined are until they vehicle the escort to taken the detainees are the time cannot they during which elapse, hours) (7-3 hours hospital, many the psychiatric in harsh long hours for in the vehicle Staying vehicle. escort the from be removed a constitutes restricted, is significantly while movement handcuffed, conditions, conditions. basic living dignity and right to infringement of their sever
- The State Comptroller's Office notes positively the progress progress the positively notes Office Comptroller's State The - Rooms Interrogation IPS centers, detention the in rooms interrogation regarding inquiry (pilot) the preliminary of unit, and the joint IPS Nachshon prisoners by escorting for as one of the alternatives detainees, and will help the foremost and first that result a to achieve efforts and police of public money. savings significant which will also lead to Recommendations Main Audit . 2 and the Transition Division and the Transition 1 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From March to June 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined the systemic systemic examined the Office Comptroller's the State June 2019, to March From detainment. of agencies in the sphere enforcement law of various treatment and of detention the conditions deals with IPS audits and examines chapter This police Israeli IPS and the between in IPS and the interfaces prevailing escorting State of the As part of the audit, representatives administration. and the court centers six detention visited Office Comptroller's - The detainees' travel from detention detention from detainees' travel Nachshon unit - The of detainees by Escort - temporary being in transit long and involves very is the courts to centers hearings being of detention duration - with the average facilities detention of tens go a few of a detainee who has to transport Thus, minutes. about seven a distance of a detainee over while transport of the day, most take may kilometers days. four and even three take than 200 km. may of no more - Even after signing after Even - Police the and IPS the between interface work the Arranging escorting regarding issues detention understanding, of memorandum new a for sentries 4 in hospitals regarding and Offices the Execution detainees to not settled were of " detainment until another decision", detainees with the status harms both the IPS lack of a decision on these issues, the parties. The between operations. and the police - Despite the guiding principle of the law, of the law, the guiding principle - Despite Holding detainees in segregation Of the detainees. indicted from not held separately detainees are short-term the of each in detainees short-term of wings the in IPS by held detainees 2,370 and the rest (about 47%), detainees short-term were only 1,117 centers, detention detainees. indicted for wings, intended had been imprisoned in other detention awaiting prisoners are - In 12 out of 22 courts, cells waiting in court Conditions per detainee. meter than one square manner with less hearings in a congestion and in the Court Magistrates' the Jerusalem in severe particularly is situation The courts. Aviv Tel - A visit to the detention facilities revealed revealed facilities the detention - A visit to centers in detention Living conditions conditions. poor living indicate findings that - At - At per inmate living area regarding with the legal requirements Compliance Court of by the High set (the final deadline) milestone of the second the date will inmates the of 50% only - 2020 - May manner a full in compliance 3 for Justice about of shortfall a is There space. living of meters square 4.5 required the have and the number the actual number of places between places incarceration 4,000 of 4.5 sq.m. the standard to according will be required that places of incarceration 2020. in May per inmate
The detention centers Kishon, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Nitzan-Maghen, Hadarim and Ohaley Kedar. Jerusalem, Nitzan-Maghen, Hadarim and Ohaley Aviv, Tel Kishon, centers detention The prisoners leaving for station as an intermediate wing serves prison. A transit wing of the Ayalon transit The various destinations. for their permanent confinement 1 2 The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
It is proposed that the court administration work to promote the development of the computer interface required between it and the IPS, so that the court secretaries can use it to obtain information from the IPS and reduce the burden of dealing with the summonses section.
Summary
The audit has revealed many findings regarding the IPS's detention and escort conditions. In light of these findings, it is worth noting the gaps between the progress State Comptroller and Ombudsman in actions and the implementation of the High Court's decision on living conditions, Annual Report 70B | 2020 and the planning in the area of prison infrastructure in the country, which is based on the forecast of the increase in the number of inmates.
The gaps between the number of incarceration places according to 4.5 square meters per detainee and the number of places that will actually Criminal Detentions in Israel be required according to the forecast by 2040 State 25 Representatives' 20 8,000 Conduct in Court
15 4,000 4,000 Deliberations
10 Concerning Arrest
18,000 13,000 13,000 Summary 5
Number of incarceration places (in thousands) places Number of incarceration 0 *2019 **2020 ***2027
Existing places
After additional construction
Gap
* According to a living space standard of 3 square meters ** According to a living space standard of 4.5 square meters *** The year 2027 is presented relative to the incarceration forecast for 2040 according to a living space standard of 4.5 square meters According to IPS data, processed by the State Comptroller's Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
State Representatives' Conduct in Court Deliberations Concerning Arrest
Summary
Background
At the investigatory stage, before the prosecutors decide on filing an indictment, hearings are held in the magistrates' courts regarding arrests during the investigatory period – 'day arrests'. At this point, the state is represented by investigators from the police investigative units, called “arrest pleaders”. After an indictment is filed, the court in which the indictment was filed has legal authority to order the arrest of the accused until the end of the legal proceedings or to release him under restrictive conditions. State representatives appearing before the court at this time are prosecutors from the Prosecutorial Unit of the Police or from the state Attorney General's office.
Key figures
41 42,216 14,831 Number of arrest Number of petitions filed with courts Number of petitions pleaders regularly in 2018 requesting 'day arrests' filed with courts in appearing in the 2018 requesting an Magistrates' Courts arrest until the end of proceedings
29% 120,000 NIS 600 Of those arrested in The annual cost of maintaining Handcuffs systems 2018 were arrested an inmate in prison - twice the for electronically until the end of the cost of maintaining electronic supervised detainees; proceedings. supervision and three times the about 25% of these cost of maintaining a suspect in a handcuffs are not governmental institution for those used released under restrictive conditions Abstract
211 Abstract | State Representatives' Conduct in Court Deliberations Concerning Arrest 213 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual It is proper that the operation of arrest pleaders in court be clarified within be clarified within pleaders in court of arrest the operation that It is proper their basis for and professional as an ethical guidelines which will serve detailed work. the end of proceedings until arrests regarding the policy should review Prosecutors on this of the public committee implement the recommendations to and continue matter. the of use limited the of causes the analyze prosecutors that proposed is It broader make to steps supervision and take electronic by alternative detention use of this alternative. including the should be found, problem recruitment the manpower Solutions to in the officers of all probation of employment of placing the terms possibility of Finance's the Ministry that It is proposed on equal footing. domain of arrests, find agreed to together work Service Probation and the Department of Wages solutions.
Summary up with is taken in criminal proceedings representatives of state Much of the work police Israeli The until the end of the proceedings. and arrests arrests' 'day petitions for of the define the powers pleader and to of the arrest the role regulate act to must unit and the investigating between the intersection at found pleaders, which are regular assimilate officials must prosecution of punishment and treatment, In terms the court. incarceration reduce on this matter: of the public committee the recommendations rehabilitation will allow that alternatives the use of remand behind bars and increase recidivism. and prevent and worked to promote the assimilation of the public committee's conclusions among among conclusions committee's public the of assimilation the promote to worked and agencies. all relevant Comptroller's State - The conditions under restrictive release for framework Government government a establish to Service Probation Adult the of activity the commends Office conditions. under restrictive will be released which detainees to framework the activities of the IPS Maoz commends Office Comptroller's State Unit - The 'Maoz' the violated supervision detainees under electronic many how unit, which monitors of detainees the proportion - 2019 2017 of supervision. In each of the years conditions of 78% about 10%; in 2019, by increased conditions the supervision who did not breach of supervision. the terms breach detainees did not Recommendations Main Audit . 1 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From March to June 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined the systemic systemic examined the Office Comptroller's the State June 2019, to March From arrest. for petitions of filing the in involved enforcement law in those of operation in arrest representatives of state conduct on the focuses part of the report This the police during arrest' of a 'day extension either for the courts, in proceedings end of the until the arrest for request or within the prosecution's investigation of representatives As part of the audit, an indictment is filed. after proceedings courts four different visited Office Comptroller's the State - Electronic supervision is often successful successful supervision is often detainees - Electronic supervised Electronically person's to detrimental less and is or detention arrest purpose of in fulfilling the not utilized. are means of detention 25% of the electronic about However, liberty. - The prosecutors have no ability to produce produce no ability to have prosecutors - The Procedure Arrest of Oversight conducting for proceedings of end the until arrests on information complete policies. arrest regarding and analysis control systemic Officers Probation For positions employment - The Service Probation Adult 2018, throughout nationally, not fully staffed; are of arrests, in the realm working the Districts, In two not staffed. were 7 positions on average approximately service probation the Therefore, average. the national twice reached shortage by within the time limits set arrest regarding reports the to submit finds it difficult the court. - From the date of date the - From until the end of proceedings for arrest of filings rate The until the of arrests proportion the relative until 2018, Law enactment of the Arrest has been There of all arrests. 35% 11% to from has increased end of proceedings conditions under restrictive release petitions for of rate no change in the low the prosecutors. by initiated - No national procedures have been established for the work of work the for been established have procedures - No national Practices Work among other things, their working pleaders with the aim of regulating, the arrest and the subordination, and command their professional their powers, conditions, units. them and the investigating between interfaces work
The Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ashkelon and Be'er Sheva Magistrates' Courts. Magistrates' and Be'er Sheva Jerusalem, Ashkelon Aviv, Tel The 1 Report of the Public Committee for the Examination of Punishment and Treatment of Punishment and Treatment Examination the for of the Public Committee Report prosecution work of the commends the Office Comptroller's State of Criminals - The implement the public to (Criminal), Prosecutor the Deputy State headed by team, consider set out as a primary goal to team The matter. on the report committee both of imprisonment (of rates reduce to in order policy, changing the prosecution could that procedures of rehabilitation in favor and those convicted) those arrested agencies enforcement all law for responsibility assumed team The recidivism. prevent The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit Abstract | State Representatives' Conduct in Court Deliberations Concerning Arrest 215 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual
Discussion Discussion
Discussion end of until the alternative restrictive Detention conditions proceedings release under release Rejection of a Rejection
Recomm- endation
Discussion prosecutors – supervisors alternative to alternative Examining an Examining release under release investigations by the by investigations restrictive conditions restrictive conditions restrictive Release under Release conditions restrictive Release under Release Recomm- Discussion endation Request Request Discussion report report Reference to detention to Discussion of Discussion the detention Discussion detention detention Discussion short-term evidence of evidence Request for Request of sufficient
a request for a request Recomm- Filing a bill of
indictment and endation end of proceedings detention until the detention
Request report the end of supervised proceedings Request – detention Discussion of Rejection Reference electronically detention until detention the request for the request to detention to indictment prosecutor detention until the end until detention filing a bill of statement on statement end of until the detention Recomm- Detention
supervised Discussion proceedings Request for Request endation electronically State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The legal proceedings at the request for for the request at legal proceedings The of the of the detention alternative suitability supervised supervised Examination Electronically electronically
In accordance with the Arrest Law, in the processing of the State Comptroller's Office. Comptroller's of the State in the processing Law, with the Arrest In accordance State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Chapter 4 State Institutions, Governmental Companies and Corporations State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Government Tourist Corporation The interaction between the Ministry of Tourism and the Government Company for Tourism and aspects of the Company's conduct
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
The interaction between the Ministry of Tourism and the Government Company for Tourism and aspects of the Company's conduct Abstract
Background
The Government Company for Tourism (GCT) is a government company established in 1955 as the central execution arm of the Ministry of Tourism for the development of the public infrastructure for tourism. In 2012, the Ministry of Tourism and the Company signed a framework agreement regulating the interaction between them: The GCT develops public tourism infrastructure, and the Ministry of Tourism allocates the company's administrative and salary expenses. In 1965, a government land development company was established on the northern coast of Eilat - the Eilat Beach Development Company. In December 2010, the Ministerial Committee on Privatization decided to privatize the Eilat Beach Development Company. Since 2015, the GCT has been running the Eilat Beach Development Company.
Key figures
1.3 billion NIS 120 million NIS Ministry of Tourism budget for the year Ministry of Tourism budget for the 2018 development of tourism infrastructure for the year 2018
11 million NIS 100 Budget transferred by the Ministry The number of projects managed by the of Tourism to the GCT every year for GCT and developed by it in 2017 - 2018 administrative and salary expenses for for the Ministry of Tourism the years of 2017 to 2019
Audit Actions In the period of December 2018 - October 2019, the State Comptroller's Office examined the interactions between the Ministry of Tourism and the Governmental Abstract Tourism Company (GCT) in 2017 – 2019, issues in the conduct of the Government Tourism Company, and aspects of the operation of the Eilat Beach Development Company (EBDC) and in its privatization process. The examination was carried out at the Ministry of Tourism, the Government Tourism Company and the Eilat Beach Development Company. Supplementary examinations were carried out at the Government Companies Authority, the Israel Lands Authority (ILA), and the municipality of Eilat.
221 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Main Audit Recommendations abstract | The interaction between the Ministry of Tourism and the Government Company The Government Companies Authority, in its role as regulator of government companies, must monitor all government companies to ensure proper working order and compliance with the scheduled dates of appointment of CEOs in Crisis of trust between the Ministry of Tourism and the GCT: This crisis has lasted government companies. for more than four years, and is affecting the parties and their activities. The Ministry of Tourism, the Government Companies Authority and the GCT, must Ongoing delay in the appointment of CEO to the GCT: GCT has been operating work to find an effective and long-term solution that will enable efficient working without a permanent CEO for more than two years, during which it had to correct interaction between them, and to learn lessons from the deficiencies reflected in serious deficiencies that were observed in previous years' audit reports. this report. Extending the framework agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and As the Ministry of Tourism and the Israel Lands Authority examine the transfer the GCT: At the end of 2018 and mid-2019, the framework agreement between of responsibility for the implementation of certain projects from the GCT to the the Ministry of Tourism and the GCT was extended, each time for six months. Dead Sea Preservation Government Company, it is necessary that the procedure These extensions impacted the internal management of the GCT (including the be executed in accordance with the law, and in a process which will take various management of the annual budget, the formulation of an annual work plan, and implications into account. the execution of long-term projects). The GCT administration and the Board of Directors of GCT, must examine the Delay in payments made by the Ministry of Tourism to GCT for administrative procedure for using a company car and determine the criteria for eligibility for a expenses and salaries: The Ministry of Tourism, which conducts monthly oversight company car, the functionaries to whom the company may award a company car, of the payments, transferred to the GCT the funds used to pay salaries after the and rules regarding additional expenses derived from the use of a company car. last date stipulated in the framework agreement between the parties. GCT, the Government Companies Authority and the Ministry of Tourism must act Company car to employees: More than half of the employees of the GCT receive to finalize the EBDC privatization process, and to set schedules, milestones and a company car. The procedure for using a GCT company car does not include deadlines. If it is decided to continue the privatization process through another reference to the positions and ranks to which the company may attach a car, does government company, the Government Companies Authority must ensure that not set the eligibility criteria for a company car, and does not set rules regarding the move is carried out effectively and proficiently. the coverage of expenses derived from the use of a company car. Privatization of EBDC: Although the Ministerial Committee on Privatization decided in 2010 - 10 years ago - to privatize EBDC, and even though GCT has Summary been managing EBDC for five years and EBDC has very reduced and limited areas of activity, the process was not yet completed. EBDC is still operating in Eilat, and The audit shows that the Ministry of Tourism's management and its main execution no date, schedules or milestones have been set for the privatization process. company - GCT - have complex interactions. This impairs the ability of both entities to realize their goals and to promote tourism projects efficiently and economically. All the Arrangement of conflicts of interest for the Deputy Mayor of Eilat who holds the parties involved - the Ministry of Tourism, the Government Companies Authority and tourism portfolio: The person serving, in a voluntary capacity, as Deputy Mayor the GCT - must resolve this crisis without delay. during the audit period, stated that he is the son of the Acting CEO of EBDC, but the arrangement, as formulated in the city's legal bureau, did not refer to The Companies Authority must take into consideration the findings emerging from this family connection and to rules of conduct that should apply in light of this this audit report and examine how to balance the need to provide the government connection. companies, which are the execution bodies of the government, with the operational flexibility needed to achieve their goals, and the requirement to secure in the hands of the state the ability to monitor their activities. It is also proposed to create mechanisms for resolving disputes between government ministries and their execution bodies.
Increasing financial transparency in the GCT: The Ministry of Tourism has been taking stepsto appoint a financial supervisor to examine the financial conduct of the GCT and to increase transparency in its activities. Correction of Financial Deficiencies: GCT has acted to correct deficiencies in its financial management.
223 State Comptroller and Ombudsman
The administrative budget passed by the Ministry of Tourism to GTC, 2014 - 2019 (NIS millions)
16
14 15.1 12 13.1 12.7 10 11.1 11 11 8 State Comptroller and Ombudsman
6 Annual Report 70B | 2020
4
2
0 Israel Bar Association 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 According to the GTC data, processed by the State Comptroller's Office. Activity of the Israel Bar Association
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Activity of the Israel Bar Association
Abstract
Background
The Israel Bar Association is a statutory entity established under the Israel Bar Association Law, 5721-1961 (the Law), with the purpose of serving as an association for Israeli’s attorneys, upholding the standards and ethics of the profession and protecting rule of law. The Israel Bar Association has 6 districts – Northern, Southern, Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv and Central. The Bar has established a number of entities, including a subsidiary corporation – the Economic Company of the Israeli Bar Association Ltd. The Bar has a number of statutory duties, which include registration of interns, supervision of their internship and examinations, qualification of attorneys and holding of disciplinary hearings. In addition to this, the Bar has optional functions, such as organizing professional education courses for its members, activities serving its members’ needs and more.
Key figures
68,500 NIS 69 million NIS 54 million 9,941 Attorneys The Bar’s 2019 Of the Bar’s Ethics complaints registered with budget. NIS 27 budgetcomes from were filed to the Israel Bar million of which membership dues the Bar’s ethics Association in was transferred to paid by attorneys committees in August 2019 districts according to the 2016-2018. In provisions of the Law this period, 826 criminal complaints were filed
549 59 NIS 18.7 214 million Attorneys were Members of The revenue of the The number convicted of professional Economic Company of indictments a disciplinary committees serving of the Israeli Bar that the police offense and have in the Bar were Association Ltd. in prosecution office authorization to convicted by 2017 filed against train interns the disciplinary attorneys in 2017 - Abstract tribunal, about 2018 half of whom were suspended, either provisionally or actually
227 Activity of the Israel Bar Association
Abstract | 229 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Bar must complete its activity for overall regulation dealing with conflicts of dealing with conflicts regulation overall its activity for complete Bar must The Bar. the Israel at interest pilot program supervision implement the online internship act to Bar must The act this, it must to In addition its implementation. from feedback and summarize processes. same time as its computerization the at reviews alternative conduct to train to its authorization cancel to its power to act according the Bar must Also, cases. in the appropriate interns internal Bar’sthe and new committee auditing the with jointly act must Bar The Implementing this recommendation audit apparatus. its internal restore to auditor risks in the all material covers audit that internal an effective will help ensure organization. in order website, of setting up its new the process complete Bar should act to The and the general interns attorneys, for information date up to accessible, ensure to public. All ethics committees should examine the disciplinary hearing process with the hearing process the disciplinary should examine All ethics committees enforcement. of selective allegations aim of harmonizing it and preventing with within dealt are complaints it that see to of the Bar must District Aviv Tel The cases of the processing that in the rules, and time and as prescribed a reasonable expedite must District Central The be completed. opened long ago to were that law. by as required of its ethics committee and operation the establishment - in 2015-2017 entries entries - in 2015-2017 Company of the Economic system reporting Financial system. bookkeeping Company’s Economic the in as required not made were the to provided information the accounting of of this, the reliability As a result for statements financial and the audited compromised was organs company’s of the ability impairs void data This late. year a about approved were 2014-2017 true with the company’s consistent are decisions that make and CEO to the board state. economic - in the last five years, the Bar’s financial statements have have statements the Bar’syears, financial five last - in the statements Financial statement financial 2017 The deadline. the statutory within approved not been include as it does not inasmuch status, Bar’s the financial actual reflect does not as years previous in consolidated were which Company, Economic the for figures statements. Bar’spart of the financial
- in recent years, the Israel Bar has taken actions to actions to Bar has taken the Israel years, - in recent interviews acceptance Internship interviews. acceptance in the field of internship the situation improve Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In March-August 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office reviewed the activity of the the reviewed Office Comptroller’s the State 2019, In March-August supervision work plans, planning and fields: following in the Bar Association Israel of regulation apparatus, ethics and disciplinary hearings apparatus, of internships formation audit internal the of interest, of conflicts of concern and action in cases the Bar’s covered review The work. company’s economic and aspects of the apparatus administrative the board, central the council, national the institutions: Supplementary examinations company. and its economic boards and district Police. the Israel and of Justice the Ministry done at were - in 2012-2019, the Israel Bar’s the Israel - in 2012-2019, Functioning of the Bar’s audit apparatus internal and the Bar has functioned for only partially, functioned audit apparatus internal without an auditing committee. years than twenty more - once granted, approval to to approval granted, - once attorneys convicted for train to Authorization of cancellation Bar does not consider is permanent, and the Israel interns train of a criminal or disciplinary being convicted in the case of the attorney approval to train has been suspended, his authorization attorney if the Even offense. without examining his suspension is over once reinstated is automatically interns interns. train to his authorization for of the conviction the consequences - in recent years the Bar has started to develop an develop to the Bar has started years - in recent Supervision of internships started matter this on program pilot a and internships, supervising for tool online and no supervision not analyzed were the pilot results However, ago. years three During using the online tool. received the information following conducted was conducted. supervision actions were intern no alternative those years, - there are very long delays in dealing with long delays very are - there ethics complaints processing for Time complaints, of many and the processing District, Aviv Tel in the ethics complaints years. several takes stage, filing until the criminal complaint of the ethics - with the exception conflicts of interest the field of Regulating interest of conflicts preventing of field the regulated not has Bar the committees, in appointing committees, as in professional such within its activity, occur may that relations. friendship and business to and in relation arbitrators - in most most - in agencies prosecution by attorneys indictments against of Reporting attorney. an is defendant the that aware not is office prosecution police the cases, filed against office prosecution the police out of 214 indictments that Thus, the State the Bar’s districts; only 10 of them to it reported in 2017-2018, attorneys to convictions on indictments and on information does not pass office Attorney's accord. of the Bar of its own the Jerusalem or Northern Districts - the Bar’s ethics apparatus has penalties - the Bar’sRules on disciplinary hearings and apparatus ethics a will be rules on holding disciplinary hearings or penalties that no prescribed of offense. severity type and to according requested
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
There are a number of flaws in the practices of the Israel Bar in a number of fields that impair its ability to fulfill its goals and statutory actions. The Bar must examine the issues that require improvement and form an action plan that will allow it to fulfill its purposes in the best possible manner. It must also plan the distribution of its resources to prioritize the execution of its mandatory functions. The Bar’s districts must cooperate with the Bar to correct the flaws presented in this report, taking into account the hierarchy of the entities that has been laid down in the amendment to the State Comptroller and Ombudsman Law. Annual Report 70B | 2020 The number of attorneys who are members of the bar, by districts, 2019
26,596 National Insurance Institute Service of the Medical Committees at the National 17,964 Insurance Institute
Abstract
9,369
7,170
4,067 3,276
Tel Aviv Center Haifa Jerusalem South North
Source: according to the Bar’s data, adapted by the State Comptroller’s Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Service of the Medical Committees at the National Insurance Institute
Abstract
Background
Israel grants people with disability various rights that are contingent on a medical evaluation by a medical committee. The National Insurance Institute is responsible for medical evaluation through the medical committees that it operates. The main committees are “general disability” committees for a person with disabilities whose earning ability has been impaired, “work disability” committees for persons suffering from disability due to workplace injuries, “disabled child” committees for children and teenagers with disabilities, special services committees for assessing and evaluating the extent to which claimants are dependent on others, and income tax exemption committees for persons asking to be exempt from tax payments.
Key figures
NIS 20.9 billion 293,000 claims NIS 147 million Payments for general were submitted to the The operating budget of disability (approximately 15.6 National Insurance Institute the National Insurance billion) and for work disability in 2018 Institute’s medical (approximately 5.3 billion), committees in 2018. The out of a total of NIS 76.3 committees operate billion in benefit payments in at 23 branches of the 2018 National Insurance Institute nationwide
113 33 93% The average number of days The average number of The proportion of elderly it takes for work disability days it takes for general persons dependent on committees to process disability committees to care from others who claims. There are significant process claims are not entitled to a differences in processing nursing allowance and time between branches, of up who employ a foreign to 90 days worker and have not fully
exercised their right to Abstract apply to an income tax exemption committee in 2018
233 Service of the Medical Committees at the National Insurance Institute
Abstract | 235 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual It is recommended that the Israel Tax Authority act to transfer information to to information transfer to act Authority Tax the Israel that It is recommended full rights, such as their exercise to taxpayers allowing entities for the relevant so to each taxpayer of the consent to subject bills, tax municipal discounted them. to related information transfer and the Israel Authority the Immigration Institute, Insurance National The are which elderly individuals who to the degree examine must Authority Tax income from exemption to their the right others, exercise on help from dependent accessible. on this right of making information ways tax and establish Given the key barriers to improved quality of service that have not yet been not yet have that quality of service improved barriers to the key Given and decentralized structure organizational which include an inefficient addressed, appointing consider must Institute Insurance the National apparatus, committee to General the Director to directly answer person who will a single responsible apparatus. and manage the medical committees coordinate medical for centers of regional the establishment examine to recommended It is party. coordinating the appointed to will be subordinated which committees, effort a concentrated make should Institute Insurance the National Accordingly, and and set schedules reform of the formation the complete to in this field doing so. for objectives each examine, must Authority Tax the Israel and Institute Insurance National The the accessibility to improve it is possible how responsibility, field of within its own including within claim processes, the citizen to and information of online service of applications. and completion vouchers of payment online transfer
Summary the quality of improve to the years over has acted Institute Insurance National The not been have barriers that key still are but there in medical committees, service of the structure of the organizational the main ones being examination to, attended and streamline improve it to changes to and possible apparatus medical committees' a should make Institute Insurance National The the management of the committees. key barriers, the will address that reform a complete to in this field effort concentrated including setting of schedules and objectives. The National Insurance Institute has taken various actions over the years aimed at aimed at the years actions over various has taken Institute Insurance National The provide to initiative an advancing including through satisfaction, public increasing its within cost no at committees medical for services guidance and consultation Helping Hand centers. through primarily public the to accessible rights makes Institute Insurance National The involving on the procedures amount of information and publishes a large its website, on its website. medical committees Recommendations Main Audit . The examination was was examination . The 1 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In February-August 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office reviewed the management the reviewed Office Comptroller’s State the 2019, In February-August with committees, medical Institute’s Insurance the National and functioning of had that an issue of the committees, the organization to emphasis on changes report Comptroller’s State arisen in the 2010 already The processes of requesting an income tax exemption and summons to medical and summons to tax exemption an income of requesting processes The online. not accessible are committees There is concern that elderly persons dependent on care from others are not others are from elderly persons dependent on care that is concern There committee tax exemption an income by evaluation of their eligibility for aware persons of elderly this right (about 93% not exercised therefore and have and a nursing allowance not entitled to others who are from dependent on care an apply to their right to exercise not fully did worker foreign a employ who the Institute, Insurance National The 2018). in committee exemption tax income steps not taking adequate are Authority and the Immigration Authority Tax Israel them this information. provide to Over the years, attempts have been made to regulate the work processes of the processes work the regulate made to been have attempts years, the Over for managing them responsible and clearly define the party medical committees hiatus regulatory This unsuccessful. been have attempts these but powers, his and committees. the by provided in the quality of service improvement prevents The organizational structure of the committee apparatus, which involves a large a large which involves apparatus, the committee of structure organizational The of publication the after a decade About inefficient. is managers, of number change for recommendations after and report Comptroller State previous the medical the improving of goal declared jointly the committees, various from been achieved. not yet has structure and operating organizational committees’ The quality of the service at medical committees is unsatisfactory. This is reflected is reflected This is unsatisfactory. medical committees at quality of the service The on average a decision (113 days reach to the committee time for in the long waiting a branches, different at times in waiting variance committee), disability a work for the at service the of availability 32%), to (up discussions of stopping of rate high is a shortage of this situation for reasons of the key One more. and committees physicians. conducted at the National Insurance Institute, the Population and Immigration Immigration and Population the Institute, Insurance National the at conducted Authority. Tax and the Israel Authority
The State Comptroller, Annual Report 60B (2010), “aspects in the work of medical committees to determine determine to of medical committees in the work “aspects 60B (2010), Report Annual Comptroller, State The 1115-1157. disabled rights”, pp. 1 The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
The increase in the number of discussions by medical committees, 2010-2018
350,000 316,997 300,000
250,000 225,552 First level 200,000 Second (appellate) level State Comptroller and Ombudsman 150,000 Annual Report 70B | 2020
100,000 Number of discussions 82,525 50,000 50,523 Israel Land Authority 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Planning Work According to National Insurance Institute data, adapted by the State Comptroller’s Office. at the Israel Land Authority and Ministry of Construction and Housing
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Planning Work at the Israel Land Authority and Ministry of Construction and Housing
Abstract
Background
To ensure that housing solutions are provided to the country’s entire population, land must be made available for residential construction through detailed planning procedures. The primary governmental entities that initiate and perform residential land planning are the Israel Land Authority (ILA), which is responsible for administering Israel’s land, and the Ministry of Construction and Housing (Ministry of Construction), which is entrusted with initiating and implementing government policy in the residential construction field. These agencies conduct their planning operations by purchasing outsourced services from specialized private entities.
Key figures
246,000 108,000 110,000 Number of housing units Number of housing units Number of housing whose building was initiated whose building was units whose building by the ILA in 2016-2018 in initiated by the Ministry was initiated by detailed plans of Housing in 2016-2018 local authorities and in detailed plans government ministries in 2016-2018 in detailed plans
NIS 815 million More than 3 years 237,000 The budget of the ILA and The planning process Housing units planned by the Ministry of Construction time for 22% of planning the ILA and the Ministry for planning activity in 2018 work that the ILA has of Housing and approved (about NIS 440 million of assigned to planning in detailed plans in 2016- the ILA and about NIS 375 companies and about 2018 - accomplishment million of the Ministry of 11% of work that the of the Government’s Construction) Ministry of Construction objective (170,000) has assigned to planners Abstract and planning companies, out of planning work reviewed in the audit
239 Abstract | Planning Work at the Israel Land Authority and Ministry of Construction and Housing 241 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The ILA and the Ministry of Construction must make sure to review and track and track review to sure make must of Construction ILA and the Ministry The the set to and keeping their main milestones including closely all plans underway, schedules. and uphold joint processes formalize must of Construction ILA and the Ministry The learning, such as lesson in the planning field on aspects and sharing of information engagements, tracking, contractual for arrangements planning quality standards, of the setup of a joint database of suppliers, and examining and evaluation review legal constraints. planners, subject to proactively working should consider of Construction ILA and the Ministry The size and medium small small, of very possibility the of awareness increase to planning providing for including tenders in their tenders, participate to businesses for with the Agency matter in the cooperation should consider They services. Businesses. Small and Medium-sized Given the failure to implement the resolutions of the Government and Council on and Council of the Government resolutions implement the to the failure Given has passed the ILA, and the long time that from the planning work transferring of Finance) the Minister (through the Government adopted, some were since its implementation and planning policy the should reconsider and the Council not been as long as it has At the same time, for the public. benefit maximize to these resolutions, implement to taken be action must the contrary, to stated the ILA and the Ministry between distribution the work particularly formalizing in the Government priorities established the to according of Construction, resolutions. monitoring meetings have been conducted, it has been found that the Ministry Ministry the that found been has it conducted, been have meetings monitoring sharing of information rules for laid down not the ILA have and of Construction insight and gaining for a joint process also did not conduct them. They between repeated. be had to of planning process the where cases from learning Data on approved plans shows variance between sectors in the number of housing number of housing in the sectors between variance plans shows on approved Data of an estimate to According 2019. to 2017 the outline plans from in units approved housing between a shortfall is there 2019, December from of Housing the Ministry it. for and the supply of housing units planned sector needs in the ultra-orthodox
From 2016 to 2018, the ILA and the Ministry of Construction accomplished and accomplished of Construction the ILA and the Ministry 2018, to 2016 From for established the Government that objectives construction the residential exceeded in approved housing units were about 237,000 aggregate, in them in its resolutions: 170,000. was objective the Government detailed plan, while tenders part of their as incorporated have Construction of Ministry the ILA and The on Committee of the Zeiler the recommendations planning services providing for component. In addition, the Ministry to the quality - weight - 80% significant assigning tools measurement and develop form to years of Housing has been acting in recent the planning of high-quality neighborhoods. with the aim of advancing Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From February to September 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office examined Office Comptroller’s the State 2019, September to February From of assignment to related Construction of the Ministry and the ILA activity of the planners, including selection private to work planning and construction residential provided. and guidance of planning work of allocation of planners, the method of the transfer to related resolutions of Government the implementation Also, Supplementary examinations reviewed. other parties was the ILA to planning from the Planning Administration, - in the of Finance the Ministry carried out in were of and the Ministry Authority, National Housing the Office General's Accountant Defense. Shortcomings in inter-agency work interfaces: the agencies dealing with execution the agencies dealing with execution interfaces: work in inter-agency Shortcomings and the ILA, do not have of Construction including the Ministry of planning works, which quarterly to according the report despite Also, of planners. a joint database Lack of detailed planning guidelines: the ILA made do with pronouncing that that the ILA made do with pronouncing Lack of detailed planning guidelines: the professional supervise the quality of planning at must planning companies to its according for the plan in its entirety, field and in each required level establishing for or parameters requirements did not establish and requirements, minimum binding planning standards. About 22% of planning work that the ILA has assigned to planning companies and and companies planning to assigned has ILA the that work planning of 22% About planners and to has assigned of Construction the Ministry that about 11% of work longer than prescribed for been in the planning process have planning companies through Moreover, years). (three with the planning companies in the agreement of the early stage at is still work most 2019), the end of the audit (September to the process. One of the criteria for evaluation of companies contending in tenders for for tenders in contending companies of evaluation for criteria the of One is of Construction and the Ministry the ILA by issued planning services providing the basis that factual The engagements with planners. with previous satisfaction and in wanting has been found this evaluation forming for ILA has coordinated level organization the at learn to need essential the despite im-provement; of need part of the essential being an planning work of previous evaluation and despite of Construction the ILA and the Ministry a planning company, of choosing process basis. systematic on a continuous, such evaluations do not conduct Despite the decisions of the Government and the Israel Land Council (the Land Council the Israel and the Government the decisions of Despite parties as part other of the planning actions to the execution assign to Council) planning with tasked entity primary the still is ILA the ILA, the at reform the of of all housing the ILA planned some 53% 2018 to 2016 lands (from Israel action for agencies). of governmental the initiative done at units whose planning was for of responsibility assignment of principles for agreement the draft Also, the Planning and by formed lands of state and development planning, marketing has not representative, of Finance a Ministry headed by Committee Development been approved. yet
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
It is recommended to the Ministry of Construction and the Planning Administration to continue to track accomplishment of planning objectives in the upcoming years and examine the need to update them according to the evolving needs of different sectors.
Summary
Planning of residential land is a basic, important stage in the production chain for providing housing solutions for the population. Given the flaws that have been State Comptroller and Ombudsman uncovered, the ILA and the Ministry of Construction should take actions to improve Annual Report 70B | 2020 their tracking and review of executing planning work according to the schedules set for them and for assuring the quality of their work based on a comprehensive shared vision. The Government should also consider reexamining its planning policy and its implementation to maximize benefit for the public, given the needs of the housing market and taking into account the aggregate of the ILA’s actions. Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation Detailed plan diagram Processes for Hiring Candidates Who Are Former Israel Broadcasting Authority Employees for the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation
Abstract
Source: the Planning Administration. Plan No. 353-0121889. Pardes Hanna-Karkur, HaTriz Neighborhood. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Processes for Hiring Candidates Who Are Former Israel Broadcasting Authority Employees for the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation
Abstract
Background
The Public Broadcasting Law, 5774-2014, based on which the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC) was established, was approved in the plenum of the Knesset in July 2014. According to the law, the IPBC was established with the aim of establishing high- quality, efficient public broadcasting in Israel, and to replace the television and radio broadcasts of the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the broadcasts of Israel Educational Television and serve as a source of creativity and content on the Internet and on a range of other digital media. When it was passed, the law stated that the IPBC would start broadcasting on April 1, 2015. The commencement day was deferred a number of times, and its formation involved extreme difficulties and uncertainty, until the IPBC started its broadcasting on May 15, 2017. The law states that the IPBC must offer jobs to 510 former employees of the IBA without a tender. In addition to this, the IPBC’s Director General was allowed to hire, before the commencement day, up to 600 employees necessary for the corporation’s preparations without a tender. Out of about 1,000 workers employed at the IPBC as of late 2019, about 100 are members of the Arab population (10.1%), 13 employees are from the ultra-orthodox population (1.3%) and 11 are of families from Ethiopian background (1.1%). In 2017-2019, 334 employees left the corporation, of whom 83 were former IBA employees and 251 were not.
Key figures
May 15, 2017 Approx. 1,600 Approx. 470 The day of actual The number of people The number of IBA commencement of employed at the IBA employees hired at the
broadcasting before the decision to IPBC upon its formation Abstract close it down
NIS 770 million 987 420 The IPBC’s budget in 2019 Workers employed at the Former IBA employees IPBC at the end of 2019 who were employed at the IPBC at the end of 2019 245 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020 abstract | Processes for Hiring Candidates Who Are Former Israel Broadcasting Authority Employees
Audit Actions The circumstances in which the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation were established From July to November 2018, the State Comptroller’s Office intermittently are exceptional, and the conditions in which the heads of the corporation operated reviewed a number of actions of the IPBC related to hiring of IBA employees during its formation period were extremely challenging. Despite this, the corporation by the corporation, which were undertaken before the commencement day, as started to operate by the time specified in the amended law after its managers acted well as the documentation and protection of information in the IPBC’s databases. to accomplish its statutory tasks. The review was conducted in the corporation, and supplementary checks were performed at the Civil Service Commission and State Archive. Supplementary The corporation updated its procedures and prepared an orderly work procedure for inquiries were also conducted in the corporation in 2019. employing former Israel Educational Television workers in 2018, and some of the audit’s observations were taken into account and implemented in their hiring processes.
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings Main Audit Recommendations
Even in cases where the law establishes a tender exemption, employee selection The rules for recruiting employees for the corporation and the corporation’s and acceptance procedures must be undertaken in a manner that will ensure procedures have not formalized all aspects related to hiring of employees, which equality and propriety of procedures, while ensuring flexibility in cases of special effectively impairs its ability to conduct a formalized, equal hiring process. circumstances. The corporation does not have full documentation of decision making processes It must be ensured that the digital system for documenting all hiring processes is related to acceptance of former Israel Broadcasting Authority employees. kept up to date and that the information stored in it is precise and reliable. In hundreds of cases, the corporation did not follow the legal provisions related If a process is initiated to receive candidate assessments, it should be supported by to the date of giving notices to candidates for employment, in circumstances in preliminary actions: updating the reviewers of the initiation and implementation which the hiring process was lengthy and involved high uncertainty. of the process, prior legal consultation, reflecting the names of the evaluators who Before starting to hire many workers for the IPBC without a tender, the Director will be contacted and the nature of the evaluators’ relationship and familiarity with General contacted various parties and asked for “unofficial” assessments of the evaluated individuals, ensuring that the evaluations provided do not contain IBA employees. These assessments or results from processing them sometimes information that has been provided by unidentified third parties, clarifiying to the affected the processes of hiring former IBA employees in the corporation. In some assessors the character of the information being requested, formalization of the cases, one of the writers of these assessment lists delved into parameters that use of information while guiding the candidate selection staff as to the purpose, had nothing to do with the professionalism of the workers, but rather offensive, weight and treatment of the evaluations, and establishing review arrangements to degrading con-siderations related to their age, ethnicity, character, appearance, ensure that only relevant, reliable information will be taken into account. weight, marital status and pay. These considerations and other negative Given the importance of the documentation, protection and retrieval of the IPBC’s assessments were not com-municated to candidates for jobs in the IPBC, and information and information related to managing employee affairs in particular, they were not given an opportunity to respond to them in any case. the IPBC should work with the State Archive to advance the application of the Written comments that the corporation provided on its conduct during the provisions of the Archives Law, 5715-1955 to it. This way it will be ensured that recruitment of former IBA staff did not always fully reflect the use or products of important information possessed by the IBPC, which by nature is a public entity, the “unofficial” assessments. will be properly saved, both for the corporation’s future use and for supervision and review purposes. All email boxes of employees who had left the corporation by the end of 2018 were closed and their contents erased. This move impaired the corporation’s It must be ensured that if new governmental units are established to replace organizational memory and continuity of keeping necessary information in existing ones, a detailed, orderly outline is to be established to ensure that the general and information related to personnel management in particular. manner of recruiting human capital for the new units will be in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and will follow the values of equality and transparency. It is recommended for the IPBC to establish an orderly plan for encouraging increased representation of all populations of Israeli society within the workforce of the corporation, and that the data on the resignation of personnel since its formation be examined.
247 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020 abstract | Processes for Hiring Candidates Who Are Former Israel Broadcasting Authority Employees
Summary
The safeguarding of public broadcasting, its quality and proper practice is a cornerstone for establishing its standing and importance in Israel’s public sphere and for ensuring public trust in it. The circumstances of the foundation of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation are exceptional, owing to the repeated deferrals of the day of starting operations and the examination that was conducted on closing down and restructuring the corporation. The findings of this report may serve as a compass of sorts for examining the way in which the corporation treats other administrative apparatuses that it maintains, insofar as the principles underlying the audit presented here, most of which are related to aspects of good governance, also apply to other fields.
The flaws related to obtaining and using worker assessments and their products
The Director General Some sources contact Failure to reflect the applies to unofficial third parties whose move to the judge who sources for assessments relationships with the served as the chairman of former employees of former employees are of of the recruitment the service an unknown nature committee
Sharing of information The assessments originating from contained derogatory, Failure to share the the assessments degrading, offensive details of the move with with parties in the and discriminatory the council corporation descriptions
The candidates did Processing of The selection process not know of the assessments was was sometimes assessments or their documented in the influenced by the products and were not digital recruitment assessments or their given an opportunity to system products comment on them
249 State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Chapter 5 Local Government State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Municipality of Beitar Illit Allocation of Land to Nonprofit Organizations in Beitar Illit
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Allocation of Land to Nonprofit Organizations in Beitar Illit
Abstract
Background
Beitar Illit, which received city status 2001, is a city with an ultra-orthodox character located in the territory of Judea and Samaria. The city’s education system is managed mostly by nonprofit organizations, such as private amutot (fellowship societies). Public buildings in the city are in high demand owing to its diversity of communities, each of which is interested in establishing education institutes such as daycare centers, kindergartens, schools, yeshivas and community institutes such as synagogues and ritual baths (mikvaot). To this end, nonprofit organizations apply to the municipality for having land or public buildings allocated to them. Allocation of land by local authorities in Judea and Samaria for more than five years requires the approval of the Commissioner of Israeli Settlements in Judea and Samaria at the Ministry of Interior (the Commissioner).
Key figures
55,000 27,000 4,300 dunam 264 Residents Students Area of the city Allocation processes since 2009
2.5 years 2.5 years have passed on average from the time Time taken, on average, for the of approval of an allocation agreement Commissioner to approve 13 out of the 43 by the municipality until its transfer to agreements that the municipality submitted the Commissioner or until the end of for his approval. The remaining agreements the audit (whichever was earlier). Only submitted to him have not yet been 22% of the allocations that have been approved reviewed and require approval by the Commissioner have been forwarded by the municipality for his approval Abstract
255 Allocation of Land to Nonprofit Organizations in Beitar Illli Abstract | 257 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Two decades have passed since the Ministry of Interior’s allocations procedure procedure allocations of Interior’s the Ministry since passed decades have Two in Judea and Samaria allocations for which the procedure from established, was for is room there processes, approval allocation the lengthy to owing derived; was improve and guidelines to the requirements and avaluate examine to the Ministry including by of land allocations, the public on the subject it provides the service the that it is suggested the same time, At online. accessible making the service the allocation of of the propriety a regulator, as of review, its form examine Ministry the that also suggested the local authorities. It is and its supervision at process should it alia, inter procedure; the of requirements the examine Interior of Ministry that the requirement if necessary, of Amutot jointly with the Registrar examine, Registrar the from confirmation good governance provide NGOs must new even as part of the procedure. of Amutot of the allocation approval for frame a time establish must of Interior Ministry The of the expense should not be at This the Commissioner. by agreements of good governance, need, and the principles residents that services essential be upheld. must and efficiency reasonableness The municipality must act to have the flaws detailed in this report rectified. Inter rectified. Inter report detailed in this the flaws have act to municipality must The sure book; make allocations date publish a full, up to and prepare alia, it must: are for allocation prepare must organizations nonprofit all documents that that approved previously for documentation of the completion examine completed; shorten act to process; making its decision document properly allocations; and land allocations; for approval get Commissioner processes; allocation to use of the land allocated organizations’ the supervision of nonprofit formalize them. and the procedures and renew review must advisor legal municipality’s The make to highlight the duty and interest conflicts of and on affiliations guidelines workers municipal officials and elected prevent to letter the to them follow to sure in the municipality’s public trust reinforce to and of interests, conflicts having from decisions.
The municipality is acting to maximize the utilization of areas for public buildings, public buildings, for of areas the utilization maximize is acting to municipality The midrash and batei synagogues for addition of stories for permits issuing by including and daycare used as kindergartens of buildings on rooftops halls) study (religious centers. with the approved in accordance performed were examined allocations of the 97% all for as required publicized land was allocate to intent The land use. for program examined. were that allocations Recommendations Main Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State In May 2018 - March 2019 the State Comptroller intermittently reviewed the reviewed intermittently Comptroller State the 2019 - March 2018 In May use. land of supervision the and municipality the at processes allocation land and the of Interior the Ministry at conducted were Supplementary examinations Authority. of the Corporations Unit and Dedications Amutot The municipality did not supervise the use of the land that it allocated, and it allocated, municipality did not supervise the use of the land that The the land that had not developed with NGOs that agreements cancel to failed allocated had been that of buildings possession not retake did received, they and did not enforce expired, time having the allocation a short time despite for it was out land rented the NGO that against conditions agreement the allocation an NGO that purposes, or against of its party in violation a third to allocated a banquet hall in a synagogue. operated Publicly elected officials and workers of the municipality did not declare their of the municipality did not declare workers and officials Publicly elected This to. allocations land council approved the city with NGOs that affiliation to intended are guidelines that with the binding is inconsistent declare to failure in the municipal council’s trust public and strengthen situations unethical prevent decisions. Out of all the allocations made by the municipality since the Judea and Samaria the Judea and Samaria the municipality since made by Out of all the allocations for 43 agreements just it transferred effect, came into procedure allocation from years a half and two took it average, On Commissioner. the by approval approval for their transfer to agreements of the allocation approval the council’s Out of the 43 agreements until the end of this audit). (or the Commissioner by 13. just approved Commissioner the Commissioner, the to transferred were that process to and a half years than two more the Commissioner it took On average, As of the end of the audit, the he approved. that application each allocation of the allocations. the rest approved had not yet Commissioner A check of 30 allocations indicates that most of the allocations that were were that allocations the of most that indicates allocations 30 of check A the from received not having the municipality despite comleted were examined had been fulfilled: conditions all threshold that NGOs all the documents proving 47% plans or financial sources, development did not show 94% of the allocations 31% did not submit a budget proposal, documents, 37% did not submit foundation audited field, 20% did not show in the education of experience proof did not show criteria. municipality’s to the of need according or proof statements financial The municipality publishes lists of land allocations but they do not contain all the do not contain but they of land allocations lists municipality publishes The of the time extension for period, approval details, such as the allocation necessary of or return requests of allocation cancellation the land, if given, developing for the municipality. the land to
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
The findings of this report show that the municipality deviated from the guidelines of the Ministry of Interior in its land allocation and usage supervision practices. The municipality and its head must act as mandated by their public responsibility to safeguard public assets and their fiduciary duty towards the public and correct the flaws uncovered by the audit. The Ministry of Interior must act to reduce the time it takes to process the approval of allocations.
The time it took the municipality to process the State Comptroller and Ombudsman allocations Annual Report 70B | 2020
50 45 Municipality of Jerusalem 40 35 Cultural Events for 30 25 the Ultra-Orthodox 20
15 Sector in Hanukkah 10 2016 in Jerusalem 5 0 Abstract צ 7 צ 6 צ 6 צ 4 צ 11 713 713 185 183 183 416 414 737 735 749 730 436 424 * * 403 430 * 440 440 * גג 421 171/7 * גג 743 גג 434 435/2 443/2 905/3
Plot 426/5+7
Number of months from submission of application to allocation committee's recommendation Number of months from allocation committee's recommendation to council approval Number of months from council approval to approval of agreement by the council
* An allocation that does not require council approval for the agreement. ** The council approved an agreement for allocating plot Z4 on the day it approved its execution. According to the municipality’s documents, adapted by the State Comptroller’s Office. Annual Report 70B | 2020
Cultural Events for the Ultra-Orthodox Sector in Hanukkah 2016 in Jerusalem
Abstract
Background
A range of events were held in Jerusalem during the Hanukkah festival of 2016, by or in conjunction with the municipality. These included: Lighting up Jerusalem - a large- scale family event in nine neighborhoods, which was held by Jerusalem’s municipality by buying service from the Ariel Municipal Company (Lighting Up Jerusalem Events) and the Hilchot Hanukkah quiz (hereafter - the radio station's Hanukkah event), which was a joint event of the Jerusalem Municipality and a regional radio station. The event was held on December 29, 2016, at the Payis Arena, with about 7,000 men participating. The municipality submitted two support applications to the Ministry for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev and the Galilee (the Periphery Ministry) for cultural events, but in the end no support was transferred.
Key figures
650,000 NIS 1 million NIS The planned cost of the radio station’s The actual cost of the regional radio Hanukkah event, which was held jointly station’s Hanukkah event by the Jerusalem Municipality and the regional radio station
660,000 NIS 240,000 NIS The actual contribution of the The contribution that the municipality municipality to the radio station’s approved for the radio station’s Hanukkah event Hanukkah event, of which some NIS 140,000 was supposed to be provided by the Periphery Ministry Abstract
261 Cultural Events for the Ultra-Orthodox Sector in Hanukkah 2016 in Jerusalem
Abstract | 263 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The Jerusalem Municipality and the Ariel Municipal Company worked worked Company Municipal Ariel and the Jerusalem Municipality The resulting in the agencies, production different with two concurrently production. its part of the event for in excess municipality paying was of the security budget of the Lighting Up Jerusalem events Most not was though it even event, Hanukkah station’s the radio to reallocated the social periphery used for been it and should have for originally intended in the Jerusalem neighborhoods. events within event Hanukkah station’s the r radio for rented Hall was Arena Payis The the despite events, for the Lighting Up Jerusalem of financing the framework the necessary by been approved not having event Hanukkah station’s radio event. Up Jerusalem part of the Lighting Jerusalem Municipality officials as Payments made by the Jerusalem Municipality to the regional radio station for for station radio the regional to Municipality the Jerusalem made by Payments among concerns and questions raised also event Hanukkah station’s radio the of the event as part to the financing of this respect municipal officials with Lighting Up Jerusalem events. the for the Ministry from support approved Jerusalem Municipality was The reassigned but the Municipality character, of a specific events for Periphery of the thought the character event Hanukkah station’s the radio this support to described in the support application with the events did not correspond event the Also, the Periphery. for the Ministry from and it did so without permission getting the for required submit the approvals to Jerusalem Municipality failed radio the for time in Periphery the for Ministry the from promised support in resulting the Lighting Up Jerusalem events, and for event Hanukkah station's all of the Hanukkah for NIS 865,000 not transferring the Periphery for the Ministry funded. which the municipality described in this report, events Invoices totaling more than a million shekels were submitted for the radio station's station's the radio for submitted were a million shekels than more totaling Invoices which a and for shekels 650,000 cost to supposed which was event, Hanukkah In the be given. supposed to was shekels of 243,000 municipality contribution to finance provided was the municipal coffer from shekels 660,000 least end, at the planned contribution. nearly 3 times the event, the (from sources two from payments allowed Jerusalem Municipality The with the and the budget of the joint action budget Events Lighting Up Jerusalem the radio for approved was that of the budget in excess station), radio regional of a third representing shekels, 400,000 a result, As event. Hanukkah station’s financing the for actually used budget, were events the Lighting Up Jerusalem from payment the municipality permitted Also, event. Hanukkah station’s radio identical services. for municipal sources two tracks: parallel in two event Hanukkah station’s of the radio actual cost The • • •
The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The 29.12.16 The regional regional The station’s radio Hanukkah the at event Hall. Arena of the Approval Joint Activities and Committee the Municipal Finance Committee the for cooperation the radio at station's Hannukah event. 18.12.16 25.12.16 Signing an agreement between A Company and Company the Ariel for use of the Hall. Arena Ariel's budget plan states renting that Hall the Arena on December is part 2016 29, of Lighting Up Jerusalem events. 5.12.16 Approval of the Approval municipality for of the delivery the by works Municipality - Buying a service Ariel from produce to Lighting Up Jerusalem events. 27.11.16 13.12.16 1. Company Manager B 1. Company event described the Hanukkah station, radio of a regional will NIS 200,000 noting that the him from to be transferred Lighting Up Jerusalem events. a representative 2. Inquiry from of the Authority of the Young Jerusalem Municipality about the regional for buying tickets event. Hannukah station's radio Preparation Preparation of a work the at order Municipality’s Cultural Administration the for purchase of services the Ariel from for Company Lighting Up Jerusalem events. 21.11.16 10.11.16 Proposal from from Proposal radio a regional the to station Municipality to on collaborate the Chanukah on event 29, December the at 2016 Hall in Arena Jerusalem. Quotation from from Quotation use the Ariel to Hall for Arena the Hannukah of a event radio regional during station Lighting Up Jerusalem events. 14.11.16 13.10.16 Approval of the Approval of the Ministry for Periphery participation in "Sukkot Hanukkah to in events" Jerusalem. The announcement of the Ministry the to Municipality is 10.10.16. dated 1. Request from a from 1. Request Administration Cultural Ariel to representative a "produce to Company Lighting Up for program Jerusalem Hanukkah". Ariel company 2. The an event has prepared budget management with plan in accordance it to the plan submitted the municipality. by 4.9.16 19.9.16 Submission Submission of support the by request Municipality to of the Ministry the Periphery as part of the Haredi Minority, and Immigrant Support - Procedure "Sukkot for Hanukkah to events" Approval of the Approval municipality's by application of the Ministry the Periphery. State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State regional radio station’s Hanukkah event Hanukkah station’s radio regional 25.8.16 29.8.16 From May 2017 to November 2018, the State Comptroller’s Office examined issues issues examined Office Comptroller’s the State 2018, November to 2017 May From the ultra-orthodox for events cultural of and organization financing to related and aspects in Jerusalem (5777) 2016 Hanukkah held during were that sector the radio for and Lighting up Jerusalem events for payments of arranging Municipality, Jerusalem the at conducted was audit The event. Hanukkah station’s Supplementary Periphery. the of Ministry the and Company Municipal Ariel at 2019. until October conducted were examinations Internal Internal correspondence in the Municipality on call for bids: Company Manager B is presented as Assistant Deputy Mayor. Submission Submission of support the by request municipality to of the Ministry the Periphery as part of the Social Periphery Support Procedure the - for “Neighborhood Chanukah Events".
Time axis - Lighting Up Jerusalem events and - Lighting Up Jerusalem events axis Time Audit Actions Audit event event event of the for the for Hanukkah Hanukkah Jerusalem the Galilee Lighting Up The Ministry Ministry The The regional regional The Development Development radio station’s station’s radio Periphery and Periphery Cultural Events for the Ultra-Orthodox Sector in Hanukkah 2016 in Jerusalem
Abstract | 265 The The NIS 100,000 NIS 100,000 municipality NIS 407,000 NIS 407,000 The regional regional The radio station radio transfer its share transfer and regional radio station radio and regional Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual Planned budget: NIS 650.000 radio station approx. NIS 430,000 NIS 430,000 approx. station radio NIS 670,000 was actually transferred: actually was NIS 670,000 The Ministry of the Periphery did not of the Periphery Ministry The Joint activity of the Jerusalem Municipality of the Jerusalem Joint activity NIS 143,100 municipality approx. NIS 240,000 + regional + regional NIS 240,000 municipality approx. the Periphery The Ministry of Ministry The NIS thousand Hanukkah event event Hanukkah 423+670 The regional radio station’s station’s radio regional The NIS 400,000 NIS 400,000 The municipality The The event’s budget was approx. NIS 1 million approx. budget was event’s The financing sources financing Lighting Up Lighting Up Jerusalem event *Different versions by the parties involved of the actual cost of the event of the of the actual cost the parties involved by versions *Different station Hanukkah event Hanukkah station Planned budget: NIS 1,200,000 Periphery NIS 722,500 NIS 722,500 were transferred to the regional radio radio the regional to transferred were In practice the municipality financed all the municipality financed In practice at least 423,000 shekels shekels 423,000 least budget, at events Ministry of the Periphery did not transfer did not transfer of the Periphery Ministry The regional radio station’s Hanukkah event - event Hanukkah station’s radio regional The of the Lighting Up Jerusalem events. The The events. of the Lighting Up Jerusalem its share. Out of the Lighting Up Jerusalem Out of the its share. station, processed by the State Comptroller’s Office. Comptroller’s the State by processed station, to it submitted that the support application to in contradiction event, station’s radio regional for municipality, approved. which it subsequently the Periphery, for the Ministry The Ministry of the Ministry The According to data from the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry for the Periphery and the regional radio radio and the regional the Periphery for Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry the from data to According the be used by planned to was shekels, 143,100 totaling the Periphery, for planned budget of the Ministry ** The State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State The Ministry for the Periphery must examine the schedules for producing support producing the schedules for examine must the Periphery for Ministry The and make events for in advance prepare to local authorities allow to approvals sent. are only signed approvals that sure The municipality must make sure that an event’s budget is routed for its intended its intended for budget is routed an event’s that sure make municipality must The two through event financing one avoid the municipality must Also, purpose. for tracks budgeting in different been approved have budgets that different events. different the Periphery for getting Ministry its actions for regulate municipality must The required) the extent to other ministries from (and approvals support approvals good governance by within the schedules mandated it can operate so that it that support for rules the follow to care take must municipality the Also, rules. their destinations, reach support funds that ensure the ministries, from receives party. the financing to reports the required and provide The municipality must make sure that its share in the financing of joint activities is the financing of joint activities in its share that sure make municipality must The while taking in this respect, procedures its own limit and follow within its approved without coordination sources use of additional municipal prevent to measures and approval. The Jerusalem Municipality must examine the approval and payment processes processes and payment the approval examine must Jerusalem Municipality The the regional with activity joint and its activity Jerusalem Up Lighting the within lessons. and learn the necessary station radio
Main Audit Recommendations Main Audit Following the audit, the Jerusalem Municipality stated it learned lessons from the case the case from learned lessons it stated Municipality the audit, the Jerusalem Following financing and approval planning, event change its cultural to action take to and started processes. Cultural Events for the Ultra-Orthodox Sector in Hanukkah 2016 in Jerusalem
Abstract | 267 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State This report reveals many flaws in the approval and financing processes for the Lighting for the Lighting processes financing and the approval in flaws many reveals report This held in which were event, Hanukkah station’s and the radio Up Jerusalem events for funds intended provided was event Hanukkah station’s radio The 2016. Hanukkah and the rules, of good governance in contravention events, the Lighting Up Jerusalem Radio Regional as the Beitar was branded that event an financed Jerusalem Municipality was that event For an financing tracks. parallel two from celebration birthday Station’s from a contribution as shekels 243,000 and receive shekels 650,000 cost supposed to and the submitted, were a million shekels than more totaling invoices the municipality, coffers. municipal from at least shekels of 660,000 at the level financed was event not Periphery the for in the Ministry resulted conduct Jerusalem Municipality’s The support two the from it for had been approved it the support funds that providing the municipality provided and the shekels, about 860,000 totaling procedures, too. provide supposed to was the Periphery for the Ministry that proportion for mechanisms review of its the efficiency improve Jerusalem Municipality must The the from service purchasing particularly for special events, for payments approving the in occurring from cases problematic similar prevent to Company, Municipal Ariel future. Summary State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Chapter 6 Other Issues State Comptroller and Ombudsman Annual Report 70B | 2020
Israel Defence Forces Occupational Health in the IDF
Abstract Annual Report 70B | 2020
Occupational Health in the IDF
Abstract
Background
The aim of the field of occupational health is to safeguard the wellbeing of people at their workplaces by preventing occupational hazards. IDF High Command Regulations on the subject of safety and hygiene state that “military activity will not be conducted until after consideration of the safety and hygiene aspects arising from it, and as mandated thereby”. The IDF Surgeon General is the authority who provides professional guidance in the field of “preventive medicine - hygiene”. The functions of the Occupational Health Branch at the Medical Corps HQ include serving as the professional body in regard to prevention of illness resulting from exposure to hazardous materials in workplaces, tracking the execution of Surgeon General instructions on the subject and undertaking reviews of these matters.
Key figures
4.3% Approx. 800 1,736 Share of all deaths in the The number of people in The number of people world in 2017 attributed to Israel dying each year of who contracted occupational diseases1 occupational diseases occupational diseases in Israel in 2017
79% 100% of combat servicemen who were referred Increase in the number of servicemen to the IDF hearing and speech institute with a hearing related medical fitness in 2017 did not use hearing protection or problem from the beginning of their used earplugs incorrectly service until the end of their service2 Abstract
1 Diseases caused by significant chronic exposure to occupational risk factors. 2 Findings of an analysis of records of 50,000 servicemen who served in the Field Artillery Corps and Armored Corps in 2005 - 2016 conducted by the Medical Corps HQ.
273 Occupational Health in the IDF Abstract | 275 for defense service candidates, candidates, service defense for 4 Annual Report 70B | 2020 70B Report Annual The army must deal with the issue of the lack of an occupational health field health occupational an of lack the of issue the with deal must army The Surgeon the Also, barriers. existing remove and IDF the in system management and knowledge-sharing of an information the formation initiate must General in education. will assist health field that mechanism in the occupational General to implement all Surgeon act and field units must corps its army, The to including with regard harmful noise, from servicemen on protecting instructions equipment. Also use of hearing protection of the correct and practice instruction protective approved Corps use only Medical servicemen that ensure must they means. The IDF must staff its positions in the Occupational Health Administration and Administration Health its positions in the Occupational staff IDF must The of the and staffing of the administration whether the formation examine later in gaps. a reduction positions led to required tools and the ability possesses it that sure make must HQ Corps Medical The of the implementation regarding review periodical systematic, conducting for that equipment or material of an installation, the use prohibiting the directives endangers human health.
A screening test that a medic conducts for assessing hearing threshold by air conduction at certain certain at conduction air by threshold hearing assessing for conducts medic a that test screening A frequencies. 4 In 2017, the Occupational Health Administration was formed in the IDF, entrusted with with entrusted IDF, in the formed was Health Administration the Occupational In 2017, civilian and of IDF servicemen impact the health may that of risk factors mapping factor of risk prevention by illness preventing frameworks, of military range in a staff activities. risk abatement and risk assessments and conducting exposure, field - In September health in the occupational report of a GHQ situation Formation conduct an to Comptroller the IDF instructed Staff Deputy Chief of General the 2019, purpose of for the health field occupational year of the fiscal 2020 during the audit report”. a GHQ situation “providing with together of Defense, Division of the Ministry Rehabilitation Disabled Veteran The the to submitted were that of claims HQ, began examination the IDF Medical Corps an show to order in - 2015 in 2010 damage) hearing (including injuries for Division it allow would that the IDF information provide and of the situation picture accurate Division intends Rehabilitation Disabled Veteran solutions. The preventive initiate to the to claims submitted and into additional years into investigations its broaden to illnesses. to Division in regard tests hearing screening conduct to IDF is preparing The Recommendations Main Audit initially at the Be’er Sheva Recruiting Office. Recruiting Sheva the Be’er initially at . 3 State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman and comptroller | State Israel of State From October 2018 to July 2019, the State Comptroller’s Office conducted an conducted Office Comptroller’s the State July 2019, to 2018 October From following alia, the included, inter audit The IDF. health in the audit of occupational the Occupational forming on and decision making process work the staff issues: formation; IDF; implementing the administration’s in the Health Administration health; managing HQ in the field of occupational Medical Corps of the review of IDF of hearing field; and the protection in the and knowledge information of Defense. in the IDF and the Ministry conducted audit was The servicemen. Surgeon General instructions related to hearing protection for servicemen are not are servicemen for protection hearing to related instructions General Surgeon exercises. training corps particularly in army followed, strictly An occupational health field information system has been developed only partially has been developed system health field information An occupational management information solution in the a satisfactory and it does not provide retention for activity systematic Corps HQ does not have the Medical field. Also, health field or sharing it with in the IDF in the occupational existing of knowledge entities in the IDF. all relevant There is only partial cooperation between the Medical Corps HQ’s Occupational Occupational HQ’s the Medical Corps between cooperation is only partial There Safety and Army Headquarters Officer and the Chief Safety Health Administration Headquarters and Quality Assurance of implementation ensure to reviews HQ does not conduct Medical Corps The that equipment or material of an installation, the use prohibiting the directives does not conduct Branch Health the Occupational endangers human health. Also, health field. GHQ audits in the occupational Four staff positions out of seven approved for 2018 for establishing the IDF’s IDF’s the for establishing 2018 for approved out of seven positions staff Four The Quartermaster - yet filled not been have Administration Health Occupational health desk officer has not filled the position of occupational GHQ Branch General or staffed allocated corps it; neither has the armed forces for authorized was that the of out - positions these of three only HQ, Corps Medical the At position. this been filled. - have authorized five Lack of options in staff work - The staff work documents for setting up an documents work staff The work - in staff Lack of options of various in the IDF did not include an examination health apparatus occupational of the would include: a presentation the field, which formalizing options for them and examining of each option, comparing and disadvantages advantages the selected for of reasons and explanation examples relevant their implications, of action. course
Safety and Quality Assurance Headquarters. and Quality Assurance Safety 3 The Situation Reflected in the Audit Findings in the Reflected Situation The Audit Actions Audit State of Israel | State comptroller and Ombudsman
Summary
It is important, even essential, to safeguard the occupational health of IDF servicemen and civilian staff. Despite this, as of the end of the audit, not all mechanisms required for fully managing this field and ensuring its correct functioning had been completed. The State Comptroller’s Office commends the IDF for its efforts in discussing the findings of the draft of this audit report and ordering the correction of flaws back in September 2019 in a discussion held by the Deputy Chief of General Staff.
Shortcomings that the IDF’s Occupational Health Administration must address
Lack of Entry of mapping of risk hazardous factors in materials into the IDF units Partial monitoring IDF without of risk factors health approval
Lack of review Inability to and enforcement Shortcomings evaluate risks of IDF directions and prevent and orders in the IDF morbidity
Lack of Lack of investigation occupational following cases health related of extraordinary Lack of a exposure instructing situation report on occupational illness in the IDF