Progress reported in budget talks, as Liberman to divert billions toward Arab sector

There has been significant progress in negotiations within the coalition regarding the state budget, with Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman agreeing to divert NIS 3.7 billion ($1.16 billion) from various ministries toward helping the Arab community, within five years, Channel 13 news reports.

Liberman has been pushing for acceptance of many demands made by Ra’am party leader Mansour Abbas, who has been complaining that the coalition is not honoring its promises.

The gaps are now relatively small, making progress toward avoidance of a crisis that could see the government dissolve if it fails to pass the budget in the Knesset by November.

The report says the main progress was seen on the matter of building permits and enforcement of illegal construction in the Arab sector, an issue very important to Ra’am. Party officials are working with professionals and legal advisers to draw up new policy outlines, some of which will require changes to the law.