Hundreds of Galil region residents traveled to Jerusalem to protest against the government, leveling allegations of betrayal, referring to the NIS 18 billion development budget the Galil was promised but yet to receive. Seventeen buses carried residents to the capital to permit them to protest outside Knesset on Monday, 29 Tishrei, the first day of the Knesset winter session.

While the protest was taking place, northern community leaders took part in sessions of Knesset committees to lobby on their own behalf.

During his remarks to the Knesset Finance Committee, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon stated the matter is dear to his heart but he was nevertheless disrupted by angry protestors who accuse the treasury of ignoring their needs. Kahlon announced that on Monday evening he would meet with northern community leaders, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Minister of Galil & Negev Development Aryeh Deri to advance plans to assist northern areas and residents.

Avihah Levi of the Changing Direction (שינוי כיוון) organization was ousted from the Knesset Finance Committee session as he shouted “we only receive attention when we make noise, then we are understood. This is not my way but I understand this is the only way to be heard”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)