State Freezes Funds: 211 Residents Lose Social Benefits Amid Serious Suspicions

Following a covert investigation, 211 residents lost eligibility for allowances and social benefits on suspicion of illegally receiving benefits and public funds by presenting false representations. The savings to the state treasury are estimated at tens of millions of shekels. Some are also suspected of criminal offenses.

Following a covert investigation by the Israel Police and the National Insurance Institute, the eligibility of 211 residents for allowances and social benefits was revoked, on suspicion that they received benefits and public funds illegally by presenting false representations regarding their place of residence and center of life. According to the suspicion, those involved sought to be considered Israeli residents in order to receive health services, allowances, and additional social benefits, even though they did not meet the residency conditions set by law. Some of the suspects are also involved in criminal offenses, and an administrative process has been opened against them, while the possibility of prosecuting them on suspicion of aggravated fraud is being examined. The activity took place across the areas of Shomron, Yehuda, and Gilad. According to law enforcement estimates, the revocation of eligibility, cessation of payments, recovery of funds, and prevention of further fraud are expected to save tens of millions of shekels for the state treasury. The National Insurance Institute emphasized that eligibility for benefits is determined by the residency test and is intended only for Israeli residents, and that in cases of false declarations, steps will be taken including revocation of eligibility, demand for restitution, and further proceedings in accordance with the law.