Bennett Pledges Northern Israel Recovery Plan Amidst Criticism

A legislative proposal championed by the "Achva" party aims to revitalize communities along Israel's northern border with Lebanon, offering significant financial incentives and tax breaks to residents and businesses. Nissan Zvi, a candidate for the "Achva" party and a resident of the Galilee, described the economic devastation in the region, stating that businesses have not recovered and that the prolonged evacuation of settlements is Hezbollah's only achievement. He is spearheading the party's bill to support the North.

The proposed law seeks to establish a budget framework for the Galilee region extending until 2035. Key provisions include expanding the "confrontation line" zone to 12 kilometers from the Lebanese border, granting it extensive budgetary support. This package features a phased income tax exemption for residents, reduced corporate taxes, and full government subsidies for Arnona (municipal property tax) discounts.

At a meeting with local leaders from the Upper Galilee, Mount Hermon, Yesod HaMa'ala, and Khazor HaGelilit regional councils, officials detailed a grim reality of collapsed tourism, failing businesses, and a resurgence of crime and protection rackets. Prime Minister Bennett, who committed to making this legislation a condition for his party's entry into a future government, emphasized the disparity between the North and the South. "The South is in a good state in terms of investments, development, public transportation, and growth. The Negev is in excellent condition. The North is not, especially Eastern Galilee," Bennett stated.

While other parties like "Yashar!" have presented general platforms and Smotrich's plan focuses on "Judaizing the Galilee," "Achva" claims its initiative is the necessary solution for the region, originating from within the northern communities themselves. Zvi criticized the lack of effective action on previous government plans, stating, "For 50 years, they've presented us with plans and government decisions. It's time for a law, not decisions that aren't implemented on the ground." He also criticized the Likud party for not fielding a Galilee representative in a realistic position, citing Nissim Vaturi as an example of someone who did not work for the region's recovery. Zvi concluded, "We are at a critical juncture. We must move to a policy that looks from the borders inward."