Will sanctions be tightened? Document reveals true beneficiaries of state subsidies
An analysis by the Ministry of Finance, presented during discussions on the conscription of yeshiva students, reveals vast disparities in state subsidy eligibility among Israeli citizens. The ministry recommends canceling after-school program subsidies for Haredi draft dodgers starting in the upcoming school year.
_autoOrient_w.jpg)
In brief: Data from the Ministry of Finance reveals vast gaps in benefits for the Haredi public. Subsidies for daycare and after-school programs in favor of the Haredi sector are seven times higher than those for the rest of the population. The chance of a Haredi household receiving an apartment grant in the periphery is 21 times higher, and 72% of Haredi households are eligible for a discount on municipal property tax (Arnona).
New data, compiled by the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance and published in 'Sheva', illustrates the significant gaps in state support. These figures are central to the Attorney General's directive to expand personal economic enforcement against Haredi draft dodgers.
Benefit eligibility statistics:
-
Daycare subsidies (up to age 3): 28% for Haredi households vs. 4% for others (a 7-fold gap).
-
'Nitzanim' after-school program: 64% vs. 9% (a 7-fold gap).
-
Child allowance: 68% vs. 44% (a 1.5-fold gap).
-
Subsidized mortgages: 24% vs. 2% (a 12-fold gap).
-
Discounted apartment programs: 21% vs. 18% (the most moderate gap).
-
Periphery apartment grants: 21% vs. 1% (a 21-fold gap).
-
Long-term rent assistance: 21% vs. 1% (a 21-fold gap).
-
Arnona discount: 72% vs. 17% (a 4-fold gap).
-
Public transportation discount: 95% vs. 23% (a 4-fold gap).
The data, accurate as of 2022, was presented to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara during discussions on the conscription of yeshiva students. The Ministry of Finance views 'Nitzanim' subsidies as a particularly effective tool for exerting pressure to increase recruitment. Consequently, it is proposed to deny this benefit to draft dodgers starting in the upcoming school year. Further inquiry into the Ministry of Construction and Housing's rent assistance program is also planned. According to the meeting summary, measures implemented last year, such as issuing draft orders and tightening economic enforcement, have proven effective in increasing the number of recruits.
