Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today praised the additional decline in the unemployment rate.  The November 2007 unemployment rate of 6.6% is among the lowest in the western world.  The Prime Minister said that this is the continuation of the apparent trend in which additional jobs are being created and in which additional people are joining the workforce.

Prime Minister Olmert said: "In recent years, the Government has invested considerable resources in creating new jobs and in assisting and encouraging companies and businesses in providing employment for many residents.  I am pleased to see our activities, along with changes in taxation and in encouraging people to work, are taking effect and are indeed helping to lead to Israel's having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.  Today, in effect, whoever wants to work can find a place.  Moreover, there are places that are looking for workers.  While we have witnessed major growth last year, growth is not always enjoyed by all.  We in the Government want to see to it that all sectors in Israel enjoy the fruits of growth.  This decline in unemployment is one of the criteria by which it is possible to measure the success of Government policy.  The data tells us that we are on the right path."