Knesset Finance Committee authorizes transfer of funds to Arab towns

The Knesset Finance Committee authorizes the transfer NIS 816 million ($235 million) to local authorities, including some NIS 200 million ($52 million) to Arab towns and municipalities.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had been holding up the transfer to Arab communities for several months claiming that the money was being used to fund organized crime.

He eventually acceded to pressure, including from the Shin Bet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the condition that a monitoring system could be set up.

Smotrich’s representative in the committee, Omer Rahamim, says the money will only go through once the system is in place.

Arab MK Aida Touma-Sliman complains it’s a ploy to further delay the money, which is earmarked for education, welfare and construction.