Israeli Finance Committee Set to Approve Additional 117 Million Shekels for Orit Strock's Settlement Ministry

Just before the Knesset recess, the Finance Committee is expected to approve a new budget allocation of 117.3 million shekels to the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, headed by Minister Orit Strock. This move follows previous significant funding transfers to ultra-Orthodox sectors and yeshivas, sparking sharp criticism from opposition members.

Opposition leader in the committee, MK Vladimir Beliak of Yesh Atid, condemned the budget request as a continuation of what he called "coalition plundering." He accused Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of depleting public funds for narrow sectarian political interests and vowed that this practice would end with the Knesset's dissolution on October 27, 2024.

The proposed budget breakdown includes 39.4 million shekels for the Settlement Division's activities, 5.6 million for local authorities to maintain Area C in the West Bank, 13.9 million for Jewish studies and Land of Israel education, 15 million for educational enhancement centers within the Settlement Ministry, 28.6 million for Jewish cultural organizations, and 14.3 million for Jewish culture in local authorities in the West Bank.

Beliak highlighted that the total 117.3 million shekels primarily support the Religious Zionist party's core areas: settlement development, security of Area C, and Jewish cultural and educational initiatives. The budget approval is anticipated to proceed despite opposition objections, reflecting ongoing political priorities ahead of the Knesset's upcoming recess.