In the shadow of the discussions in the Finance Committee on the Arnona Fund, faction meetings will be held today (Monday). At the start of the Likud meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu will deliver a statement to the media. The Labor Party meeting will be attended by Givatayim Mayor Ran Connick and Kiryat Ono Mayor Israel Gal. In addition, statements by Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid are expected.
At the beginning of a meeting of his party, National Camp Chairman Benny Gantz addressed the issue of the budget and the Arnona Law: "Unfortunately, we are on the way to the first budget, which instead of being called a state budget, should be called a coalition budget.
To sum it up in three words – support instead of growth. Regarding the Arnona Fund – the de facto Israeli government decided to raise taxes on a geographical and sectoral basis. A budget that is entirely distributed to those who have representation in the coalition and those who do not. This government divides us and functions as the government of half the people. Half an honest people – and half a non-servant people. Half with coupons and allowances and half with going to work. Netanyahu lied that there is an "Abbas tax," and today he is bringing us the "partition plan." A budget that is entirely distributed to those who have representation in the coalition and those who do not. It's not a budget – it's a cry for generations."
Gantz also addressed Operation Shield and Arrow: "My message to our enemies is clear – in the face of a threat to the citizens of Israel, there is no coalition or opposition. The government will have the backing of any correct and responsible action.
This operation proved once again that a strong judicial system supports security. It is the one that provides Iron Dome to IAF pilots who carried out targeted killings. It was she who enabled the element of surprise by launching an opening blow without convening a cabinet. Without a strong judicial system and a cohesive society, our security strength will also suffer."
In his statement, opposition leader and Yesh Atid faction leader Yair Lapid attacked the government and the Arnona Law: "This government has decided to steal our Arnona money. Stealing is a hard word, but I have no other word. The government comes to the authorities whose only sin is that they are run properly, and whose residents work and pay taxes, and confiscates their money.
The "Arnona Fund" is not a fund, it is a robbery in broad daylight. This budget is not a budget, it is the distribution of the spoils of an irresponsible government that blackmails a weak prime minister. The strike by the local government is extremely justified and we support it."
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