The Bedouin village of Rahat in Israel. Netanyahu is allocating funds to improve the living conditions of Israel’s Arab population. Photo: Wikipedia.

JNS.org – Israel’s Arab municipal councils will receive a one-time budgetary supplement of $230 million from the Israeli government before the end of the year.

There are a number of predominantly Arab towns and local councils in Israel, most of which are characterized by poor populations.

“The aid plan is a significant rectification and yet another step designed to integrate Israel’s Arab citizens into Israeli society as equals among equals,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday, Israel Hayom reported.

Israeli government support for Arab sector councils will increase by $38 million, with another $13 million allocated for the councils’ “development budgets.” Additionally, $89 million will be awarded to “outstanding local councils,” $34 million will be invested in “advancing plans for informal education in Arab councils,” and $38 million will be devoted to “strengthening personal security in Arab communities by means of police installations, city-without-violence programs, and assigning police personnel,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.