Summary of Findings and Policy Alternatives – 1998-99

The most conspicuous phenomenon in the field are a suspension of economic growth, rising unemployment, and decreased investments and exports. The downturn interrupted the process of social progress experienced by Israel during the first half of the decade and led to a retreat in several areas.

Against this background, the relative importance of macroeconomic policy within the overall domain of social-policy issues has increased; today it has a major impact on the advancement of all social issues.

This paper appears as a chapter in the Center’s annual publication, Israel’s Social Services 1998-99, Yaakov Kop (editor).