Ministry of Finance Opposes Netanyahu’s Plan to Cancel Discounts on Land in the Galilee
The Ministry of Finance has expressed opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to cancel the ceiling of discounts on land marketed to rural and communal settlements in the Galilee. In a detailed reference sent to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Budget Division argued that the cancellation or increase in the discount will not lead to a change in the population size in the Galilee but rather result in more of the same.
Deputy Commissioner of Budgets, Matan Yagal, who signed the letter, cautioned that significantly increasing the benefits in rural settlements could harm the efforts to strengthen development towns and urban settlements, ultimately impacting the entire region. Yagal emphasized that the development of national services and employment areas depend on regions with a significant population.
The Prime Minister, however, claims that the current discount ceiling prevents massive construction in the Galilee settlements. Currently, the discount ceiling for land in rural settlements in national priority areas is NIS 450,000. Netanyahu and others who support canceling the ceiling argue that it hinders the flourishing of the Galilee and the construction of settlements. Housing Minister Goldknopf holds a different opinion, stating that the main obstacle to population growth lies in the supply side.
As a compromise, the Ministry of Finance proposes updating the discount ceiling for the homeless in rural settlements in the Galilee ranked in the socio-economic index 7-1. The new ceiling would be set at NIS 600,000, 33% above the current ceiling. This proposal aims to assist a limited number of settlements, mainly from deciles 8-10.
Additionally, the Ministry calls for the condition that concessions be granted only if land is released for quick marketing. The Ministry suggests increasing the scope and rate of marketing in these localities, as well as updating construction plans to allow for higher densities and accommodate larger populations, particularly young couples.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Finance believes that providing benefits to the rural sector without ensuring an increase in supply will only deepen the benefits and hinder significant demographic growth in the Galilee. The Ministry’s proposed measures aim to address the barriers to population growth and promote sustainable development in the region.
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