Lapid: Where are we going to get NIS 300m. for settlements?
Finance minister criticizes timing of West Bank, E. J'lem construction announcement in light of US criticism, says he opposes construction in isolated settlements.
Finance Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday rejected the undertaking of large-scale projects in the West Bank outside the main settlements blocs, arguing the timing was not right.
"I won't facilitate money being transferred to isolated settlements which needs to go Kiryat Shmona in the north and Be'er Sheva in the south, especially at this time when it causes real harm to Israel," he said.
The finance minister said the construction plans submitted to the government would cost a total of NIS 300 million, which could come out of budgets for other ministries.
"We just recently approved the state budget," he said. "With hard work, we can avoid hurting areas important to Israeli citizens. But from where exactly are we going to get NIS 300 million? From welfare? Health? From Be'er Sheva or Kiryat Shmona? It's outrageous on any level."
"I support building in Jerusalem, it's our capital and we will support the improvement of infrastructure in the major settlement blocs as part of the natural growth but as with everything there is a matter of timing," he said.
Lapid elaborated to Ynet, saying "I'm in favor of ensuring a good life routine to the residents of the major blocs, but I won't allow for the construction of expensive and ostentatious structures in the isolated settlements."
He went on to say that some of the plans for construction in Jerusalem included "roads to isolated places and expensive infrastructure," noting that "grandiose plans at this time will only make the crisis with the Americans worse. The plan as it currently is could lead to a breakdown in ties with our allies. That's a diplomatic and security mistake."
While "Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and no one can dictate to us whether or not to build there," Lapid asserted that "such a plan with massive projects and inconsideration will bring us to a point of no return with the Americans. I suggest we ask the IDF how long it could last without the Americans and figure out on our own what needs to happen."
Unlike Lapid, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said Wednesday he thought the timing was perfect to announce new construction projects in the capital.
"We have to build for all populations and sectors and in all of the neighborhoods of Jerusalem," Barkat told Ynet. "We shouldn't fear criticism, which has been quite insulting and unbelievable."
He went on to say that he "hasn't heard any international criticism over the fact there's construction for the Arab sector in Jerusalem. We're building in Givat Hamatos and a third of that area belongs to the Arab sector. It's only okay for the Arabs to build in Jerusalem, the Jews are prohibited from building."
Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report.
