(Media Line) Daniel Sonnenfeld - On Aug. 2, the Israeli Cabinet approved a draft state budget containing $9.19 billion intended for Israel's minorities. $6.7 billion is dedicated to the next five-year plan for the Arab sector, compared with $3.3 billion in the last five-year plan approved in 2016. In addition, $780 million will be directed at fighting crime and violence in the Arab sector, as Israeli Arab politicians have sought. The Bedouin population will receive $1.6 billion, while $930 million will be directed at the Druze and Circassian minorities. Dr. Salim Brake, an expert on Arab society in Israel who teaches at the Open University, said, "This plan is unprecedented, and if it is realized, it will make a major difference for the Arab population." The new plan is intended to close the gaps in education, employment and financial prosperity.
2021-08-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive