Goldknopf protests 'exclusion' of Haredi West Bank communities from budget

United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf has strongly protested the exclusion of ultra-Orthodox communities in the West Bank from a new government plan for settlement development. In a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Goldknopf described the situation as an "outrageous reality" that unfairly sidelines a significant portion of the population.

The letter, sent urgently after appeals from mayors of Beitar Illit, Modi'in Illit, and Emmanuel, concerns a government agenda item intended to establish "temporary sites in rural communities in the West Bank." Goldknopf highlighted that ultra-Orthodox local authorities and their approximately 200,000 residents in Judea and Samaria are not included in the proposed framework.

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On the eve of the government meeting scheduled for tomorrow in the city of Nof HaGalil, I find it necessary to turn to you urgently and in deep pain, on behalf of 200,000 ultra-Orthodox residents of Judea and Samaria. Once again, we are faced with an outrageous reality that cannot be explained: the ultra-Orthodox public in Judea and Samaria is once again being sidelined, excluded, and completely pushed out of this plan.

"Once again, we are faced with an outrageous reality that cannot be explained: the ultra-Orthodox public in Judea and Samaria is once again being sidelined, excluded, and completely pushed out of this plan," Goldknopf wrote. He pointed out that nearly 200,000 of the roughly half a million residents in Judea and Samaria are ultra-Orthodox, with Modi'in Illit and Beitar Illit being major urban centers in the region. He argued that such a large population cannot be ignored in government programs addressing development.

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Why is it always them [ultra-Orthodox] who are left behind? How is it possible that the budgets, development, and benefits that reach the other communities never reach the ultra-Orthodox population centers in Judea and Samaria? Is the blood of the residents of Beitar Illit, Modi'in Illit, and Emmanuel less red? Are half the residents in the area invisible in the eyes of the government?

Goldknopf conveyed the distress of the ultra-Orthodox local authority heads, who approached him "with a bleeding heart." He questioned the consistent marginalization of his community: "Why is it always them who are left behind? How is it possible that the budgets, development, and benefits that reach the other communities never reach the ultra-Orthodox population centers in Judea and Samaria? Is the blood of the residents of Beitar Illit, Modi'in Illit, and Emmanuel less red? Are half the residents in the area invisible in the eyes of the government?"

Concerns are growing within the ultra-Orthodox public that this exclusion may be intentional, aimed at preventing them from receiving support and benefits. Goldknopf declared, "We cannot accept such discrimination." He emphasized that the ultra-Orthodox public is an integral part of the settlement in the Holy Land and a full partner in its development, despite facing challenges like overcrowding and poor housing. He asserted that residents of these cities are entitled to all benefits and assistance as a right, not a favor.

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We cannot accept such discrimination. The ultra-Orthodox public is part of the settlement in the Holy Land and a full partner in strengthening, developing, and flourishing the settlement, despite conditions of overcrowding and terrible housing distress.