The cabinet's approval Sunday of a plan to pump millions of shekels into West Bank settlements stirred fierce anger among members of the opposition and the left-wing parties, who accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of shirking his declared commitment to a Middle East peace process.
"The cabinet decision teaches us that the political process is not on the national list of priorities, and that Netanyahu and his cronies are itching for a fight with the American government and the international community," said Meretz Chairman Haim Oron.
The left-wing Meretz faction submitted a motion of no-confidence in response to the plan.
The opposition Kadima party on Sunday lashed out at the cabinet for approving the plan, saying it in effect "canceled out any declaration made by Netanyahu regarding two states for two peoples."
The plan to widen Israel's map of 'national priority' areas was approved after Netanyahu decided to review the list of communities for which funds were earmarked.
All of the ministers from the Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas parties voted in favor, following a five-hour debate on the matter at the weekly cabinet meeting; Labor's five ministers opposed.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the Labor chairman, attacked the plan during the discussion, warning that some of the money would end up in the hands of right-wing extremists.
"I don't think that we need to award them a prize in the form of including them in the national priority map," said Barak, referring to the plan.
A spokesman for Labor Minister Avishai Braverman said that while "the increase in the Arab population included in the map from eight per cent to 40 per cent is an important accomplishment," he could not support the plan if settlements known to house extremist settlers were included.
Netanyahu's decision to review the move appeared to be a compromise on the matter. The plan sparked a barrage of criticism since the premier decided to implement the move despite a freeze on new construction in the territories.
The Labor ministers said Netanyahu had agreed to hold a cabinet discussion on the plan and to form a panel to examine which communities should be included.
Netanyahu's decision to review the move appeared to be a compromise on the matter. The plan sparked a barrage of criticism since the premier decided to implement the move despite a freeze on new construction in the territories.
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, a close ally in Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party said on Israel Radio the added funds would show settlers that despite the freeze, Israel "also supports and reinforces" them.
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