In response to Smotrich freezing funds, US says it is ‘committed to welfare of all Israelis’

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a press conference in Jerusalem, July 30, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a press conference in Jerusalem, July 30, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Asked for comment on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s decision to freeze funding for Arab municipalities and higher education preparatory programs for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, a US State Department spokesperson refers reporters to the minister to explain his stance but adds, “As a general matter, the United States is deeply committed to the welfare and security of all Israeli citizens.”

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