Treasury absent from discussions - and tens of millions allocated to protection racket victims not transferred

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir convened discussions on combating protection rackets, but Treasury representatives did not attend. Two months after the government allocated 35 million shekels to compensate protection racket victims, the funds have not yet been transferred to business owners. The Treasury claims they did not receive invitations.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir convened discussions on combating protection rackets, but Treasury representatives were absent. Two months after the government approved tens of millions of shekels in compensation for protection racket victims, the Treasury published a draft for public comment but did not attend the discussions led by Ben Gvir. Meanwhile, no business owner has received compensation. The first decision, by the National Security Ministry, established a national emergency plan to combat the phenomenon. The second decision, promoted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, allocated 30 million shekels from the Tax Authority and 5 million from Ben Gvir's ministry. Participants in the discussions included senior officials from the State Attorney's Office, the Justice Ministry, the Shin Bet, and the police. The Treasury claimed they did not receive invitations. Ben Gvir appealed to Smotrich to ensure his representatives attend the next discussion. Ben Gvir's office stated that the minister is leading an uncompromising reform in the fight against extortion offenses, and that participation of all parties is essential. No response was received from Smotrich's office.