About 30 minutes after the Knesset Finance Committee begin a session to discuss the state budget on Sunday, 3 Kislev, Chairman MK Moshe Gafne adjourned the session as Arab lawmakers were shouting. The meeting adjourned before Gafne could present agreements reached pertaining to defense budget.

Gafne exhibited understanding regarding the grievances of the Arab MKs, promising to address their issues with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon. MK Ahmed Tibi explained he can no longer remain silent as the needs of the Arab community, which represents 20% of Israel’s citizens, are ignored once again. Tibi enjoyed backing for his grievances from Meretz leader MK Zahava Gal-On, who cited the Israeli Arab community suffers from years of budgetary discrimination.

Efforts to restore order were unsuccessful, leading to Gafne’s decision to adjourn.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)