News
Israel government approves £2.5 billion plan to strengthen Arab communities
Israel’s cabinet yesterday unanimously approved an ambitious 5-year plan worth £2.5 billion, which will boost housing, education, employment, infrastructure and transportation in Israel’s minority Arab communities.
Israel’s Arab population, which includes Muslims, Christians, Druze and Circassian communities, comprise almost one quarter of Israel’s overall population. However, services within these communities have suffered from a lack of funds and support. Over the last several months, representatives from Arab communities have held detailed consultations with the Prime Minister’s Office and officials from the Finance and Social Equality Ministries to work out the details of the plan announced yesterday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel constructed the plan, which will alter the way in which government funds are allocated in order to narrow gaps. It includes more than £200 million towards housing in Arab municipalities and a similar sum for local authorities in these areas to improve infrastructure. 40 per cent of Israel’s transportation budget will be devoted to the Arab sector, while large sums will also be allocated towards education, plus the development of industrial areas in Arab municipalities.
Minister Gila Gamliel called the change in the allocation mechanism to Arab communities “dramatic news” and “an important and historic step on the way to reducing gaps and advancing social equality in Israel.” Meanwhile, President Reuven Rivlin, a strong long-time advocate of minority rights also praised the cabinet decision. He called it “an important, and vital step on the road to closing the gaps which have existed for years,” adding that the plan “represents a turning point, and an unprecedented confidence-building measure.”
Leader of the Joint (Arab) List party MK Ayman Odeh welcomed the development with caution, emphasising “We need to follow implementation of the plan.” The Prime Minister’s Office said that within 30 days, a team under the auspices of the Deputy Attorney-General will submit recommendations to the cabinet over upgrading planning and construction.