Arab Community Budgets Slashed for Military Deals, Experts Warn
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Economic expert Saher Baraka warned that Israeli government decisions to divert billions of shekels from civilian development plans to fund military procurements, including Apache helicopters, are devastating the Arab community. These cuts, totaling nearly one billion shekels from the Arab community's five-year plan, disproportionately affect education, health, and social welfare. Projections show escalating deductions through 2029, which Baraka believes will undermine integration and development for Arab citizens.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Economic expert Saher Baraka warned of devastating consequences from diverting billions to military deals.
- Arab community budgets are disproportionately affected by cuts for security procurements.
- Nearly one billion shekels have been cut from the Arab community's five-year development plan.
- Additional funds were deducted for police, Shin Bet, and crime prevention efforts.
- Projected escalating budget cuts for the Arab community are planned through 2029.
- Experts warn these cuts threaten development and integration of Arab citizens.
Economic advisor and expert Saher Baraka has warned of the devastating consequences of government decisions to divert billions of shekels from civilian ministries and development plans towards security procurements, particularly the financing of Apache helicopter deals. Baraka stated in an interview with i24NEWS that the Israeli Ministry of Defense budget has seen unprecedented growth, adding approximately 40 billion shekels in 2026 due to war costs, bringing its total to about 183 billion shekels, over 20% of the state budget.
Baraka emphasized that the Arab community is the primary victim of these budget cuts, which disproportionately affect vital sectors like education, health, sports, and social welfare. He explained that the government has already cut nearly one billion shekels from the five-year development plan for the Arab community, known as Plan 550, which was intended for local authorities, infrastructure, education, and employment.
Highlighting a stark contrast between promises and reality, Baraka noted that out of 30 billion shekels allocated for the plan, only 13 billion have been disbursed. Subsequent deductions have been made under various security pretexts, including 220 million shekels for the police and Shin Bet, and an additional 500 million shekels to combat crime and violence. The government has approved the deduction of one billion shekels from the Arab community to fund military and security deals.
Baraka cautioned about the medium-term impact of these financial policies, presenting a projected timeline of escalating deductions from Arab community budgets in the coming years: 68 million shekels in 2026, 169 million in 2027, 342 million in 2028, and 453 million in 2029. He concluded that these continued cuts deliver a fatal blow to efforts to reduce economic and social gaps, threatening the development and integration of Arab citizens in Israel.
