The cabinet will discuss a proposal to grant an additional 30-50 million shekels per year to groups distributing food to needy families on Sunday morning. The proposal is supported by Welfare Minister Yitzchak Herzog, but faces opposition from Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On.
Welfare Ministry officials argue that the proposal would allow the state supplement its existing welfare programs and ensure that needy families do not “fall between the cracks.” Bar-On argues that the programs do not differentiate between needy families with varying income levels in accordance with Israel's welfare policy. The best help is provided by programs that help needy individuals find work, he says.