Interior Ministry Director-General Israel Ozen announced that he intends "to examine suspending budgets for Arraba municipality following severe incitement statements by Mayor Ahmed Nassar." In a letter sent to the mayor, he condemned "Nassar's remarks at an event describing the State of Israel as an 'enemy' and expressing himself in a manner that harms its sovereignty and values." According to Ozen, "These are inciting and degrading statements, unbecoming of a public official who operates under the laws of the State of Israel and under the symbols of its government."