Prime Minister Netanyahu: “This is an unprecedented plan that will move the Druze community forward.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will, this Sunday, submit for Government approval a decision for the Galilee and Mt. Carmel, and an additional decision for the Golan Heights (a five-year plan for 2025-2029), for the Druze and Circassian communities, worth NIS 3.9 billion.
The plan, which has been led by Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz, follows expedited staff work by the PMO Druze and Circassian Communities Socio-economic Development Authority, led by outgoing Director General Yossi Shelley, will bring about a change in the residents’ living conditions and in community life, and resolve fundamental problems in planning and housing, which the residents have suffered from for many years.
Under the plan, which was formulated with all Government ministries, NIS 650 million will be allocated for planning and housing, a designated planning committee will be established for the communities, and detailed planning will be accelerated.
The plan will also lead to the strengthening of the local authorities, with over NIS 1 billion being allocated to boost their budgets, advance organizational efficiency and improve service to residents, and develop sources of revenue by advancing economic initiatives.
The education system will also be improved, in keeping with future employment market demands, with a NIS 450 million investment.
An additional over NIS 1 billion will be invested in the following fields:
* Employment, and economic and tourist development
* Involving community members in high-tech
* Increasing productivity
* Developing industrial zones
* Supporting small and mid-size businesses
* Professional training and employment guidance
* Developing transportation infrastructure and public transportation in the communities
* Developing social welfare services for residents
* Increasing cultural and sports activities and developing tourism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“We are submitting to the Government a decision on a new, unprecedented, five-year plan, for the Druze sector. We are talking about over NIS 3 billion. There has never been such a thing; this will advance the Druze sector. It will help close gaps. It will move this very important sector forward. We are committed to this both in the country and to our Druze friends in the region. This is such an important moment, and I would like to thank you Yasser and you, [Likud] MK Abed, and Acting PMO Director General Drorit Steinmetz. This is big.”
Kisra-Samia Mayor and Forum of Druze and Circassian Local Council Heads Yasser Jidban:
“I want to thank you Prime Minister Netanyahu for everything you are doing for the Druze community everywhere. I salute you. From Government Decision #959 and the current decision, I greatly appreciate it. I thank you for advancing the joint planning committee for the Druze community, and with G-d’s help, it is advancing. You will approve the 2026-2029 five-year plan on Sunday, worth over NIS 3 billion, and you do above and beyond for the community, and we thank you. This is national pride.”
MK Afef Abed:
“Mr. Prime Minister, you are an asset to the country and to the community. We are behind you in what you are doing and navigating – this is our way,”
