Interior Minister Eli Yishai
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Yishai to Arab communities: Build up
Shas chairman and interior minister addresses non-confidence motion presented by Arab parties over new Jewish city planned for Wadi Ara area, says sector should embrace different urban planning method, start building up
The three Arab parties Balad, Hadash and United Arab List-Ta'al brought a non-confidence motion before the Knesset Monday, titled "the government's infringement on the development of Arab communities in Wadi Ara."
The motion was brought before the House following a zoning plan that would see a new ultra-Orthodox city – Harish – built in the area.
During the session, Interior Minister Eli Yishai advised Israeli Arabs to change their building methods: "You should be realizing the potential of building up. There is no point is discussing expanding (municipal) borders while that potential is left untapped."
Yishai argued that the Interior Ministry has tried to assist Israeli Arabs in their construction plight: "The Interior Ministry, both today and in the past, has funneled billions of shekels to zoning and construction plans.
"In all my positions in the government, as social affairs minister and as industry, trade and labor minister, I've favored the Arab sector and tried my best to promote equality.
"I see this as a Jewish and halachic order," he continued, "but I utterly reject all the attempts to stir controversy and provocation and propaganda and incite sectors against one another. Why should it bother anyone that Harish would be built? If you want to prove you're neighborly – support it."
Yishai pledged to assist the Arab sector, saying he would promote any zoning plan that would help the sector. The Shas chairman also said he has met with heads of Arab communities, "Who said they knew (zoning) plans get stuck over political considerations.
"I am more than willing to cooperate and promote zoning plans, in everyone's favor, but I cannot be a part of anything laced with ulterior motives. I certainly hope the Arab leadership will join our efforts," he concluded.
