Agriculture Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Ari Ariel has halted the release of funds intended for Gaza border communities in a move apparently intended to pressure the release of funds for yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron. This includes funding for area rehabilitation and NIS 8 million for emergency backup generators.

Funds intended for yishuvim are being held up and it appears Ariel is using the leverage of the funds he controls for communities in southern Israel to compel authorities to release funds to communities in Yehuda and Shomron.

NIS Tens of millions have been approved for Sderot and other area communities as part of a government multi-year plan but Ariel is blocking the funding until yishuvim are funded as he feels they should be.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)