MK Milibitsky Blocks 1.1 Billion Shekels for Gaza Envelope Recovery Over Northern Business Aid Dispute

A heated confrontation unfolded in the Knesset Finance Committee regarding the freezing of approximately 1.1 billion shekels allocated to the Tekuma Authority, responsible for recovery efforts in the Gaza Envelope area. MK Hanoch Milibitsky has demanded solutions for businesses in northern Israel, but this demand has led to a halt in rehabilitation work in southern communities.

According to committee member Ron, Milibitsky promised tax benefits to the north but failed to deliver, and now he is targeting Tekuma’s budget. She explained that Tekuma’s funds are repeatedly reduced whenever additional money is needed elsewhere, causing ongoing financial instability. Milibitsky claims that northern businesses lack about half a billion shekels in support and insists that this issue must be addressed before southern recovery funds are released.

Ron added that Tekuma does not compensate businesses directly, as property tax is responsible for that, and the current situation is creating confusion and resentment. She noted that recovery and renovation efforts are underway in four southern communities still not fully restored: Holit, Nir Oz, Be’eri, and one other. However, Milibitsky’s budget freeze has stopped all work and payments to suppliers, with some arguing that northern issues should be resolved separately from southern recovery.

The dispute highlights the complexity of balancing recovery funding between northern and southern regions amid ongoing challenges. The Finance Committee’s decision on this matter will significantly impact the pace of rehabilitation in the Gaza Envelope area and northern business support.