Israeli government approves development program for Druze and Circassian settlements

The government has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal for a socio-economic development program for the Druze and Circassian communities in the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Carmel for 2024.

The program includes:

1. Subsidies for housing construction for demobilized soldiers.
2. Funding for housing design and settlement expansion on private and public lands.
3. Increased budgets for local councils to address war-related issues.
4. Investments in infrastructure development and government building construction.
5. Investments in formal and non-formal education.
6. Programs to combat violence and alcohol consumption among adolescents.
7. Funds to complete the Druze Heritage Center in Yanuh Jat.

A commission led by the Director General of the Prime Minister's Ministry, along with the Directors General of the Ministries of Finance and Internal Affairs, and the Head of the Planning Department, will oversee the program.

The Prime Minister's Ministry will also develop a five-year plan to address the needs of the Druze and Circassian communities, which will be submitted for government approval.