Arab Leaders Rally Against Budget Cuts Outside Netanyahu's Office
Arab mayors, MKs, and social activists staged a protest outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's refusal to transfer budgeted funding to Arab municipalities. The frozen funds, approved by the previous government, were aimed at boosting the economy, upgrading infrastructure, and fighting crime in Arab communities. Protesters also highlighted the rampant epidemic of violent crime in their communities. The estimated 400 protesters demanded the release of the funds and called Smotrich a "racist settler." Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, and some Arab leaders have threatened not to open schools in September. Arab local leaders have agreed to monitoring mechanisms for the funds, but the decision to withhold the money is seen as motivated by racism.