Israel redirects 220m shekels from Palestinian budget to Shin Bet

The Israeli government has approved a decision to cut 220.7 million shekels from the five-year plan budget allocated to the development of the Palestinian community inside the territories occupied in 1948, and to transfer the funds to the Israeli Security Service (Shin Bet) and the Israeli police, under the pretext of fighting violence and crime. The move has sparked widespread anger and criticism among Arab and human rights circles.

According to the decision, issued on Sunday, the funds were originally allocated to vital sectors, including education, culture, sports, youth programmes, and the development of local authorities in Palestinian towns. These funds will now be redirected to security agencies.

Critics say this step directly harms the collective rights of Palestinian citizens and undermines long-term development opportunities.

The decision comes amid pressure from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Social Equality Minister May Golan. Ahead of the approval of the state budget, both ministers called for cutting budgets allocated to the Arab community to what they describe as “strengthening security”, including funding for the police and the Shin Bet.