Another sneak move? Finance Committee discusses transferring millions to Settlement and Heritage Ministries
The Knesset Finance Committee is discussing the approval of budget transfers totaling approximately 16 billion shekels, including 653 million shekels in coalition funds. The opposition claims these are sectoral political funds and vows to fight their approval.
The Knesset Finance Committee discussed today (Wednesday) the approval of budget transfers totaling approximately 16 billion shekels. Of these, 653 million shekels are defined as coalition funds, designated for purposes set in coalition agreements. Notable items include: 124 million shekels for the Settlement Ministry headed by Orit Strock, 75 million shekels for the Heritage Ministry headed by Amichai Eliyahu, 52 million shekels for archaeology in Judea and Samaria, and 268 million shekels for Haredi education that does not teach core subjects. The opposition, led by MK Vladimir Beliak, attacked the move, calling it "looting" and "sectoral political funds." Beliak said he would turn to every possible factor to block the transfers. The discussion takes place against the backdrop of a petition to the High Court filed last week by MKs Beliak, Shiri, and Farkash-Hacohen, demanding a halt to some of the transfers on the grounds that they are political during an election period. During the discussion, 33 requests for budget transfers submitted in the last 24 hours will be brought for approval.