Title: Government Criticizes Finance Minister for Freezing Budgets for Arab Society
Date: August 8, 2023
The decision of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to freeze budgets for the benefit of the Arab society has been sharply criticized by the government. Despite mounting pressures, Smotrich has refused to approve the transfer of funds. In a letter sent by Diaspora Minister Amichai Shikli, it was claimed that there is no justification or logic in denying balance grants that were relied upon in the annual budget. Other government officials, including Minister Gamliel and Knesset member Gottlieb, have also called for the withdrawal of this decision.
Shikli emphasized that denying grants would lead to deficits and the suspension of basic services for residents. He further proposed that the budgets be transferred alongside a close audit in accordance with the recommendations of the Hirsch report. However, Treasury officials were not enthusiastic about accepting Shikli’s proposal, stating that the conditions outlined in the report have not been met thus far.
Intelligence Minister Gila Gamaliel also criticized Smotrich’s decision, specifically regarding the freeze on the budget for higher education for Israeli Arabs. Gamaliel highlighted the social, economic, and security importance of integrating the Arab population into academia. She emphasized the need to continue realizing the vision of reducing societal gaps. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel expressed concern that ending the budget year with a deficit would lead to authorities entering recovery plans, resulting in larger expenses for the Ministry of Finance and the State Treasury.
The coalition also called on Smotrich to withdraw his decision, stating that it is unacceptable to harm citizens and paralyze their daily lives. Knesset member Tali Gottlieb labeled the decision as unilateral and not sufficiently reasoned. Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned Smotrich’s actions as racist, accusing him of abusing Arab citizens simply because of their ethnicity. Labor Party Chairman Merav Michaeli challenged Smotrich to start withholding budgets from within their own party if they want to ensure the money does not flow to terrorism.
The Finance Minister’s decision to freeze budgets for the Arab society has sparked widespread criticism from both government ministers and opposition leaders, highlighting the overall concern for the consequences it may have on the welfare of citizens and the larger issue of social equality.