In a significant policy reversal, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced the resumption of funds for Palestinian communities within Israel. This decision comes after previously suspending these funds, citing concerns that the money was contributing to rising crime rates, sparking outrage from local mayors and lawmakers.
Smotrich, a Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government member, had earlier asserted that budget allocations intended for Palestinian-majority local councils were politically motivated and could potentially benefit “criminals and terrorists.” This stance had drawn criticism from various quarters, including Palestinian-majority councils, community leaders, and the National Committee of Arab Local Councils in Israel, who accused Smotrich of racism.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, Smotrich unveiled an oversight mechanism designed to ensure the transparent and secure transfer of funds to these communities. “We are stopping the criminal organizations from taking over the budgets that go to the Arab authorities,” Smotrich stated.
Palestinian citizens of Israel, comprising a significant portion of the country’s population, have long faced systemic discrimination and underfunding, resulting in a marginalized status within the society. The contentious 2018 nation-state bill further exacerbated this divide by prioritizing the status of Jewish citizens while downgrading that of Palestinians and their Arabic language.
Despite holding citizenship and voting rights, Palestinian communities within Israel often contend with high poverty levels, a lack of adequate policing, and minimal government investment. This combination of factors has contributed to disproportionately high crime rates within these communities.
Tragically, statistics reveal a surge in violence against Palestinian citizens of Israel, with at least 157 individuals murdered since the beginning of the year. This number represents a distressing increase compared to the same period last year and marks the highest toll since 2014.
Smotrich’s decision to resume funding for Palestinian communities is seen as a step towards addressing long-standing grievances and fostering greater equity within Israeli society. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian citizens in their pursuit of equality and justice.
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