Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Unfreeze Funds for Arab Cities
Introduction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will unfreeze at least $54 million in funds to Arab cities. This decision comes after criticism of the finance minister’s actions to withhold the funds.
Money Transfer
Netanyahu stated that the money would be transferred after verification, but did not provide specific details on the process or timeline. His spokesman declined to comment further on the matter.
Commitment to Arab Citizens
Netanyahu emphasized that Arab citizens of Israel deserve equal treatment and opportunities like all citizens. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the funds are transferred to the intended destination – the Arab citizens of Israel, following a thorough evaluation.
Finance Minister’s Stance
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition, reiterated his decision to freeze the funds during a press briefing. Smotrich expressed concerns that the money could end up in the hands of criminals and terrorists.
Arab Community’s Response
Leaders of the Arab community criticized the finance minister’s actions, accusing him of racism. The National Committee of Arab Local Councils in Israel condemned the minister’s campaign of incitement against Arab society and its elected leaders.
Background on Arab Citizens in Israel
Arab citizens, who are mainly descendants of Palestinians who stayed in Israel after the 1948 war, constitute about a fifth of the country’s population. They have long faced social and economic inequalities compared to Jewish citizens, including high poverty rates, overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and underfunded schools.
Funding for Arab Local Councils
The unfrozen funds were earmarked for basic services and development in 67 Arab local councils. This allocation aims to address years of underbudgeting and reduce the disparities between Jewish Israeli and Palestinian communities, according to Amir Bisharat, the director general of the National Committee of Arab Local Councils in Israel.
Historical Context
During the creation of Israel, thousands of Palestinian residents fled or were forcibly displaced from their homes. Under the Missing Property Act of 1950, the Israeli government confiscated vacant houses and transferred them to public housing companies. Since 2011, the government has been promoting the sale of this property for housing development. However, the high prices often make it difficult for longtime residents to afford, leading to their relocation.