State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman held a visit today (Nov. 21, 2023) at Druze local councils in the Galilee. As part of the visit, he met with the mayor of the Yanuh-Jat local council and consoled the bereaved families of Lt. Col. Alim Abdallah and Lt. Col. Salman Habka from Yanuh, Major Jamal Abbas from Peki'in and Sgt. Adi Harb from Beit Jann.
In his meetings with representatives of the Druze community, the very painful issue of master planning and individual planning in Druze communities came up. The comptroller informed the meeting participants that during the past few months the state audit has been addressing this issue.
He said: "The Druze community's contribution to the State of Israel is immense. The Druze community has proven once again its true partnership with the State of Israel. Its best sons are fighting alongside our sons. I am now leaving the home of a hero of Israel, Lt. Col. Salman Habka, the armored battalion commander from Yanuh. Today I was also at the home of Alim Abdallah from Yanuh and I will also be at the homes of Major Jamal Abbas from Peki'in and Sgt. Adi Harb from Beit Jann, may their memories be blessed.
The blood of the Jewish people and the blood of the Druze community has intermingled for the 75 years of Israel's existence. Unfortunately, the State of Israel has not treated the Druze community as it should. This is reflected in the lack of regulation on construction in Druze communities. There is no justification for this. The state is obligated to provide members of the community with the basic right to housing. It is unthinkable that a soldier from the Druze community who is fighting in Gaza or in northern Israel right now would have an emergency call-up order in one hand and a demolition order or a notice of fine in the other.
During the last few months, the State Comptroller's Office has examined the significant deficiencies in the state's handling of master planning and individual planning in Druze communities and the issuance of building permits needed to provide housing. This includes examining the process of preparing and advancing comprehensive master plans for communities and preparing detailed plans by virtue of which building permits can be issued. The audit will analyze the different barriers that cause delays in master planning such as the issue of unification and parcelization, the issue of private land ownership, the shortage of state land within municipalities, the shortage of end-user solutions for sewage and more.
Previous reports that I published revealed deficiencies indicating a lack of umbrella agreements and significant gaps regarding public housing in minority communities in northern Israel, particularly in Druze communities.
As state comptroller, I feel privileged and see great importance in examining issues related to the Druze community. Discrimination against the Druze community must stop. The prime minister, minister of interior, minister of finance and all Israeli government ministers must take immediate action to rectify the wrongs done towards the Druze community, in a way that reflects their contribution to Israel's security."
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
