Amid rising accusations of racism, Smotrich adamant funds for Arab towns will be cut

Amid a growing outcry and accusations of racism, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports his decision to freeze a higher education plan for East Jerusalem, and reiterated that additionally he would not transfer money previously set aside for economic development in Arab local authorities.

Smotrich was asked about his decision to freeze a program for the development of higher education in East Jerusalem, in which he cited as a reason the plan’s inclusion of funds for a preparatory program for Arab students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“I am coordinating with the prime minister. I met with him, and I explained it him and he supports this position. I received his agreement,” Smotrich told the Kan public broadcaster. READ MORE