The upbeat news from Israel that tourism officials are drafting a bill to legalise casinos in certain parts of Israel, including the resort town of Eilat, has been countered by a predictable response from other members of the government. Chairman Ophir Paz-Pines of the Knesset Interior Committee has warned that the Knesset would never agree to such a plan, despite moves by Eilat Municipality and the Tourism Ministry.

An increase in crime, prostitution and social problems are the arguments used by Paz-Pines to illustrate his opposition to casinos in Israel, and yet Tourism Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, an ex law enforcement officer, maintains casinos would reduce crime and illegal gambling. He insists that a casino in Eilat would create up to 900 jobs and gaming revenue would be used to address social problems.

The Israel Lands Administration has already planned to allocate land for the proposed casino in Eilat and the local municipality is keen to boost tourism. Paz-Pines is adamant that Eilat could improve its economy by offering better facilities and keeping its shoreline free from hotels and other structures. Many Israelis may support the idea of licensing casinos but it will be a hard task to get a casino bill approved by the Legislature. (E-01.16.08)

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