Israel: Arab politicians call for unlimited strike over economic crisis

Text by: Guilhem Delteil Follow

Israeli Arab politicians are calling for the start of an unlimited strike from Tuesday. They protest against the lack of financial support from the government in the face of the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus. They claim that they no longer have the means to maintain public services in their municipalities.

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From our correspondent in Jerusalem,

Waste collection, cleaning and social assistance: municipal services are now stopped in the Arab cities of Israel.

For Youssef Jabarine, deputy of the United List, a coalition of mainly Arab parties, these localities are now completely taken by the throat.

"  The vast majority of Arab localities suffer from a lower socio-economic status," he explains. So even before the crisis started, they suffered from economic problems. And now, the crisis only makes things more difficult for them.  "

In support of the economic crisis, businesses were exempt from municipal taxes for three months. And the government is committed to compensating the town halls. But the Arab localities, where nearly 15% of the country's population lives, receive only 2.3% of public aid. This corresponds to the proportion of companies established in these cities, but Youssef Jabarine rejects this argument. "  This is because of historical discrimination against the Arab community and the lack of development of industrial zones in these localities, comments the deputy. So in reality, they are doubly punished. "

The strike which begins on Tuesday is announced as an unlimited movement. And to bend the government, the United List is also preparing to seize the Israeli Supreme Court.

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