Economy Committee Discusses Evacuation System and Grants for Hotel Stays
The economy committee, chaired by MK David Bitan of the Likud, convened today (Wednesday) to address the management of the evacuation system for hotels and to propose a quick discussion on the topic: “Appointment of a body that includes inquiries from evacuees in front of the government ministries.” Also in attendance was Haim Katz, Minister of Tourism.
During the discussion, data presented by the Ministry of Tourism revealed that there are currently 86,203 people staying in hotels. Furthermore, 79,074 people have signed an agreement to switch to daily compensation from the state without staying in hotels. However, the Ministry of Tourism highlighted that there is an overlap of about 20,000 individuals who are both in hotels and have requested grants, causing difficulties in transferring the grant money to the families of the evacuees.
Minister of Tourism Haim Katz acknowledged the challenges and assured that the payment for the daily grant program will be made this week, with amendments to include foreign workers who were evacuated with the citizens. He also emphasized the government’s efforts to address parking and laundry services for evacuees in hotels.
MK David Bitan expressed his observation of the adjustments that hotels are making for the benefit of the families of the evacuees. He also called for the urgent transfer of all budgets committed by the Ministry of Finance, suggesting the appointment of an employee in each hotel to coordinate referrals for the families.
Haim Bivas, mayor of Modi’in Maccabim Reot, and chairman of the local government center, urged for full financial compensation for the expenses borne by local authorities for the benefit of evacuees, emphasizing the need for certainty regarding the continuation of the process.
Eli Lankri, Mayor of Eilat, highlighted the significant impact of the crisis on the city, calling for a unique plan for financial compensation in order to prevent damage to the city.
It was also noted that the families of the evacuees are expected to stay at the hotel until November 22, with a decision regarding the continued stay to be made by the Ministry of Defense in the near future. Minister of Tourism Haim Katz indicated a possible extension of the stay in hotels for the evacuees until the end of December, in order to avoid damaging the country’s credit rating.
As the country navigates through the challenges posed by the recent crisis and the impact on evacuee families and local authorities, discussions and decisions regarding financial compensation and support are crucial for the well-being of all those affected.