PM meets with Druze leaders
Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO
Druze protest earlier
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Netanyahu promises funds to Druze sector
Druze leaders meet with prime minister to tell him of water, electricity, and cash shortages in their towns
A number of Druze council heads met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Interior Minister Eli Yishai Sunday following a violent protest held by the Druze sector in Jerusalem, in which seven police officers were injured.
The council heads were summoned to the Prime Minister's Office after the protest. Sajur Local Council Head Hamud Jabar said Netanyahu had promised to appeal to the Finance Ministry in order to attempt to secure the funds they requested, despite the current financial crisis.
Meeting at PM's Office (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO)
The Druze sector claims its communities suffer from discrimination. The council heads are demanding the erasure of their municipalities' debts, the creation of employment for their people, and additional funds.
"The prime minister said he feels like a brother to the Druze people and promised that despite the difficult financial situation, a family helps its members," said the chairman of the Forum of Heads of Druze and Circassian Local Authorities, Salah Fares.
"I explained to him that we serve together, live together, and sometimes die together, and what can we do, we are asking to be equal. We demand a schedule for the steps to be taken, not just niceties."
Netanyahu heard testimonies regarding water and electricity shortages as well as insufficient funds for the payment of municipality employee wages.
The Druze leaders requested a two-step plan. The first proposed step provides immediate solutions for the crises felt by many of the municipalities and the second provides long term solutions that include construction layout plans, the establishment of industrial zones, and assistance for troubled youths.
"We are giving the prime minister a few days to see if we can find a solution to the root of the problem," the Sajur Council head said. "If the issues are not solved the current battle will unfortunately only grow worse."
The protest has been stopped, but a tent erected by the Druze demonstrators remains outside of the Prime Minister's Office. The Druze municipalities also plan to remain on strike.
