Israeli Government Plans 92 Million Shekel Cut to Arab Employment Program Amid Rising Crime

The Israeli government is set to cut 92 million shekels from the "Riyan" employment training program, which has provided vocational training to over 160,000 participants from the Arab community in Israel. This decision, initiated by Social Equality Minister May Golan and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, aims to reallocate funds from the five-year plan for the Arab sector to police budgets to combat the recent unprecedented surge in crime and murders within the Arab population. The cutbacks are expected to be approved by the government on the upcoming Tuesday meeting.

The "Takadom" five-year plan for the Arab community, launched under the previous government led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid and continuing from Benjamin Netanyahu's administration, has been credited with significant socio-economic progress. Hassan Tuafra, who led the program until his resignation last year, highlighted achievements such as raising the matriculation eligibility rate among Arab students from 45% to 76%, nearly closing the gap with the Jewish population at 77%. The number of Arab students in higher education increased from 25,000 to 60,000, and female employment in the Arab sector rose from 30% to nearly 50% by early 2025.

The "Riyan" initiative, part of the Ministry of Labor's efforts, collaborates with local leadership, schools, employers, and government bodies to provide professional training and job placement. It is operated by two organizations: "Alfanar" in the north and mixed cities, and "Be'atzmi" in the south. Dr. Hossam Abu Bakr, CEO of Alfanar, stated that about half of the 160,000 participants have successfully integrated into the workforce, contributing an estimated economic benefit of one billion shekels annually. Currently, the program serves around 25,000 people per year.

Despite these successes, the budget cut threatens the program's continuation, with no confirmed funding for 2027. The Ministry of Finance noted that the entire 92 million shekel budget depends on government decisions and lacks a permanent allocation. Dr. Abu Bakr criticized the reallocation, emphasizing that vocational training is the most effective tool for employment and reducing violence, warning that cutting these programs to fund policing is counterproductive.

The decision reflects the government's prioritization of immediate security concerns amid rising crime rates in the Arab sector, but it raises questions about the long-term impact on economic integration and social stability within the community.