Monday

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today, 3.20.06, toured the Rutenberg Power Station in Ashkelon.  Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, National Infrastructures Minister Ronnie Bar-On, Ashkelon Mayor Ronnie Mehatzri, senior Israel Electric Corporation officials, Mekorot representatives and senior Israel Police officers (inter alia) accompanied the Acting Prime Minister.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert held discussions on issues related to the city of Ashkelon, including security, the absorption of Gaza Strip evacuees, the employment situation, etc.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert commended the Israel Electric Corporation on its incoming and outgoing Directors-General.  Regarding the security situation, the Acting Prime Minister emphasized that no restrictions have been imposed on IDF actions and noted that the security forces have had many recent counter-terrorist successes.

Acting Prime Minister Olmert said that the Ashkelon region was vital to the State of Israel: "This is a region that must attract both a strong population and tourists.  The State of Israel will not countenance actions that harm the region's quality of life.  We cannot detail everything but we are optimistic regarding our counter-terrorism efforts and I believe that terrorism will be significantly reduced."