Northern Israel mayors furious over severe government budget cuts to communities

The government recently approved a budget cut of approximately 496 million shekels to ensure continued funding for displaced southern residents. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed a 3.4 billion shekel extension until 2024, facing opposition from Finance Ministry officials due to the significant budgetary shift required. To make up for the shortfall, the Finance Ministry “borrowed” 200 million shekels from the northern communities, sparking doubt among mayors about the return of allocated funds.

Moshe Davidovitz, representing the Northern Frontline Settlements Forum, expressed frustration over the government’s neglect of the northern region. Despite promises of budget restoration, diverted funds allocated for the University of Kiryat Shmona and northern development plans remain uncertain. Northern officials question the Finance Ministry’s intentions, emphasizing the urgent need for allocated funds in the face of ongoing conflicts.

Distrust lingers among displaced northern residents as Finance Ministry officials defend their reallocation of funds for “development purposes.” Despite assurances from the ministry, concerns persist about the neglect of urgent northern needs. Calls for transparency and equitable distribution of funds echo as the northern communities seek to address their pressing challenges.