Israel OKs large Arab economic plan

Israel’s Cabinet has approved the largest-ever economic development plan for Israeli Arabs.

Nearly $214 million was allocated March 21 by the government ministers. The program, which aims to strengthen the Israeli Arab economy, reportedly includes building and expanding industrial areas, providing professional and academic instruction, increasing tourism, upgrading security and improving transportation and day care.

It is to start in 12 Arab communities and later will be expanded to more communities.

The approval came the same day as the release of a report by the Coalition Against Racism and the Mossawa Center: The Advocacy Center for Arab Palestinian Citizens of Israel that accuses the current government of being the most discriminatory in Israel’s history, after passing at least 21 bills that discriminate against Arabs, according to their count.

A spokesman for the Israeli government did not have immediate comment on the report. — jta