Security Cabinet refuses to increase fortification budget
Security Cabinet ministers reject defense establishment's request to add NIS 500 million to fortification budget of Gaza vicinity houses. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On among opposers
Despite the recent renewal of Qassam attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, the State refuses to continue fortifying sensitive areas in the south.
The National Security Cabinet on Wednesday did not approve the transfer of an additional NIS 500 million (some $128.5 million) to build bomb shelters in 4,400 housing units in Gaza vicinity communities. The main opposers to the budgetary addition were Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On.
The matter was brought to the Cabinet following a petition to the High Court of Justice by Gaza vicinity residents, and by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his deputy Matan Vilnai. The NIS 500 million ($128.5 million) were meant to go towards fortifying houses in a 4.7km range from the border fence.
The government has so far approved the sum of NIS 327 million ($84 million) which will only provide protection for less than half of the homes in the area. Minister Eli YIshai, who did not take part in Wednesday's Cabinet session, supported transferring the rest of the funds towards the needed fortification.
Nonetheless, Yishai stressed that this was not a permanent solution. "We must examine operational actions to strengthen Israel's deterrence against Palestinian terror organizations," the Shas minister said.
Shas Minister Yitzhak Cohen who lives in the southern city of Ashkelon said before the meeting, "We must stop being a dreamers' government and approve a 'price tag' plan in the Cabinet that will be executed in response to Qassams and will prevent the supply of water and electricity to Gaza in the event of a ceasefire violation."
At the end of the meeting the Prime Minister's Office released a statement explaining that after reviewing the situation, it was clear there had not been any significant changes and that the previous budgetary agreement should remain valid.
Gaza-vicinity residents outraged
The Cabinet's decision prompted anger among residents of the Gaza area communities, who said they were deeply disappointed.
"Political considerations have triumphed over security considerations and the welfare of the residents," said Ophir Libstein of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. "However, we are convinced that the High Court of Justice, which isn't bound by political concerns, would force the government to carry out its own decision to fortify the communities."
Rinat Galili of Kibbutz Nirim added that "there is no connection between this decision and the reality which we live in."
Head of the Eshkol Regional Council Haim Yalin accused the government of failing to protect its citizens. "The government doesn't care about what goes on in the south, and I wouldn't be surprised if in the future it would stop caring about the disabled population or education in the country."
Ilana Curiel contributed to the report
