BICOM

A multi-year economic integration plan to strengthen the Arab Israeli community was agreed to yesterday in a meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held with members of the Joint Arab List Knesset faction.

In attendance were Joint Arab leader MK Ayman Odeh, MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi, MK Jamal Zahalka, MK Masud Ganaim and Arab Local Councils Forum Chairman Mazan Ganaim, as well as Prime Minister’s Office Director General Eli Groner and representatives of the Finance and Social Equality ministries. Agreements on one-time budgetary supplements to bolster Arab local councils were also reached.

The plan, which will be launched in 30 days, will lead to the investment of some NIS 900 million (approx. £160 million) to promote economic integration, reduce gaps in Arab society and foster structural changes within Arab local councils. Among the line items to receive funds are NIS 150 million to increase personal security in Arab communities, NIS 135 million to advance informal education in community centres, youth movements, and NIS 350 million over five years to create economic growth engines that will boost local council revenues.

Commenting on the plan, Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “I am the Prime Minister of all citizens of Israel. The assistance plan that we decided on today is a significant rectification and an additional step designed to integrate the Arab citizens of Israel into Israeli society as equals among equals”. On his Facebook page, Ayman Odeh called the plan “an important step”.