Pines-Paz is keen on making the most of his uncertain tenure at the Interior Ministry. He intends to avoid the missteps of his predecessor, Avraham Poraz, while carrying through his policies.

He has made it clear that he does not intend to be an interior minister with limited authority. Pines-Paz was referring to the limits imposed on Poraz when he sought to allow residence status to those not entitled to immigrant status, such as children of foreign workers or relatives of immigrants. In that case, former attorney general Elyakim Rubinstein intervened and limited Poraz's authority to apply the law regulating entry into the country.

Pines-Paz pointed out that the Ministerial Committee for Population Registry, which was set up over Poraz, "effectively disabled him" in view of its predominantly right-wing membership.

"I do not accept the presence of a Ministerial Committee for Population Registry, which undermines in an insufferable way the authority of the interior minister," Pines-Paz said.

"It is not logical that ministers from other ministries will decide instead of the interior minister in matters that touch his area of responsibility," he added.

Pines-Paz vowed to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz in order to bring about the dissolution of the committee.

The committee was responsible for blocking a Poraz initiative to grant legal status to the children of foreign workers born in Israel or having lived here most of their lives.

Pines-Paz announced two days ago that he intends to rejuvenate the effort. "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and I see eye to eye on this matter - for humanitarian reasons their status needs to be settled," he said.

He said there are other matters involving the civil status of individuals that must be addressed by the ministry "in humane ways."

Pines-Paz is certain he will be able to rally support for his efforts from his colleagues in the Labor Party.

He also warned those "who would not follow his instructions" in the ministry that they will not be tolerated.

Pines-Paz was pointing a finger specifically at the Population Registry officials who repeatedly ignored instructions from Poraz, claiming he was exceeding his authority and delving into matters handled by the ministerial committee.

"I am against religious coercion but not against the Orthodox," he said. As such, "the daylight savings clock will be set up by consensus and consideration for both the Orthodox and secular."