Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon was interviewed by Channel 2 News on motzei Shabbos, asked if the persons waiting for government assistance following the fires will have to wait years as was the case for too many victims of Operation Protective Edge and other cases.

Kahlon stated the system is in place and he promises inspectors will be out in the field to meet with homeowners and assess the damage and the claims will be processed in a fair amount of time, referring to victims of fire if it is determined to have been the result of terrorist arson.

“If there are fights to handle with insurance companies, we will handle it. We will fight the insurance companies and this will not be the job of the victims, who have been hit hard” stated Finance Minister Kahlon. He stated that if investigations determine there was negligence or other causes, the government will be at the forefront to work with the insurance companies.

At present it is estimated at this time at least 700 homes have been damaged or destroyed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)