Disagreements over the aid program, which will also fund organizations that support illegal residents

• Minister Itzik Shmuli and Minister Israel Katz // Photos: Yossi Zeliger, Emil Salman

The legal adviser to the Ministry of Finance, Adv. Avi Messing, forbids Finance Minister Israel Katz to act against government funding for organizations that also help infiltrators, a letter sent this week by Katz to Welfare Minister Itzik Shmuli revealed, in which he asked him to cancel support for organizations. Shmuli refuses.

"In light of the opinion of the Attorney General in the Ministry of Finance, according to which I have no authority to cancel or change a support test set by another minister, contrary to my intention," Katz wrote to Shmuli, "I would ask you to review the support tests so that aid to aid infiltrators is not provided."

Photo: GPO

In response to our request, the Minister of Labor and Welfare replied that "the process continues in accordance with the established rules."

The exchange of letters is a continuation of the exposure of "Israel Today" last week, because the transfer of the funds in question was made contrary to the position of the Minister of Finance, as part of an assistance program for civic organizations affected by the Corona crisis. 

"There is a fear that some of the associations that will receive support are conducting activities that are completely contrary to the values ​​and policies of the government," Katz Lemmings wrote.

The government grant fund program includes support for organizations that help the needy, senior citizens, Holocaust survivors, LGBT people, children at risk, etc. The organizations may apply for grants until August 9, when after that date it will be clear whether the aid plan will be canceled or one side - Katz or Shmuli - will fold Controversy over government assistance to organizations that run counter to government values ​​and policies.