Title: High Court Temporarily Halts Budgetary Transfer for Food Stamps, Sparks Political Debate
Date: [Insert Date]
The High Court issued a temporary order on Thursday, halting a budgetary transfer of NIS 400 million for food stamps to ensure nutritional security. The transfer, which was promoted by the Shas party led by Eri Deri, was met with mixed reactions from various political actors. The Supreme Court clarified that the order was solely to prevent any delay in the upcoming hearing on the matter and should not be taken as an indication of the court’s stance. The petition challenging the transfer was filed by the movement for the quality of government and the Hadosh movement.
The Knesset committee had previously approved the food stamp program called “Tevi Deri,” outlining the eligibility criteria for recipients. It includes individuals who qualify for a 70% discount on property tax, income guarantee recipients, and those with low income relative to the number of household members.
While the lightning procedure to discuss the matter is expected to take place soon after the holiday period, Minister of Justice Rival Levin criticized the High Court’s decision, claiming it further deepened the gap between the judges and the people. He argued that such a decision would adversely affect the weakest and poorest members of society, leaving many families without the support they rely on before the Tishrei holidays.
Minister of Housing Yitzhak Goldknopf also expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, calling it puzzling and disconnected. He emphasized that during the Tishrei holidays, poor families particularly rely on financial assistance, making the court’s decision even more concerning for those in need.
Responding to the confirmation of the budgetary transfer by the finance committee, the movement for the quality of government expressed relief, stating that they were able to prevent the deprivation of Holocaust survivors just before the holiday. They pledged to remain vigilant in ensuring that food stamp entitlement aligns with the moral principles set forth by Aryeh Deri.
Minister of the Interior Moshe Arbel defended the budgetary transfer, highlighting the importance of responding to the needs of the weakest and poorest individuals, regardless of their place of residence. He reassured the public that the vouchers are intended to assist those in need.
MK Merav Cohen, Chairman of the Committee for the Treatment of Holocaust Survivors, shared her committee’s role in amending the original proposed model for the food stamp program. Cohen noted that, as a result, approximately 41,000 impoverished Holocaust survivors will also benefit from the project.
As the state prepares its response by next Monday, the final decision on the budgetary transfer for food stamps remains pending, with the public eagerly anticipating the court’s ruling and its potential implications for those relying on this vital assistance.