news brief Smotrich agrees to release East Jerusalem funds following compromise

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has agreed to release funds for higher education in East Jerusalem as part of the 2024-2028 program designed to reduce social and economic disparities in East Jerusalem.

Smotrich is expected to vote in favor of the funding release after a compromise was reached involving the establishment of an oversight committee.

The committee will include representatives from the Finance Ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality.

Smotrich has indicated his intention to delay the transfer “until measures were in place to address the nationalist and Islamic cells operating in universities and engaging in activities that support and encourage terror in the nationalist struggle against the State of Israel.”

The 2024-2028 plan represents an increase of more than $260 million compared to the previous 5-year plan and includes funds for education, economic development, infrastructure, healthcare and public spaces.