MK Gilad Kariv Pledges New Five-Year Plan and Increased Budgets for Arab Sector

In an interview with the Arabic-language Israeli radio station "Al-Nas," MK Gilad Kariv of the Democratic Party outlined his party's commitment to advancing a new, larger-scale five-year plan for the Arab community if included in the next government. Kariv emphasized that the plan would be developed in collaboration with local Arab leaders, business figures, and civil society representatives, aiming to significantly increase government investment in Arab municipalities.

Kariv also highlighted the party's goal to reduce budget disparities between Jewish state education and Arab state education by boosting funding for the Arab education system. Furthermore, he addressed planning and construction issues in the Arab sector, criticizing the current policy of demolishing unauthorized buildings in the Negev and northern regions. He expressed support for repealing the Kaminitz Law, which enforces rapid administrative penalties and harsher punishments for illegal construction.

He stressed the need for accelerated approval of master plans for Arab local authorities and investment in public infrastructure development, including enhanced security measures. Kariv's statements reflect the Democratic Party's broader agenda to change government policy toward the Arab sector and promote equitable development and planning reforms.