Farmers from the Gaza Belt area will receive NIS 100 million in compensation from the government for indirect damages they suffered as a result of Operation Cast Lead, the IDF’s counter-terror attack on Gaza launched in late December.
The decision to grant the compensation follows weeks of negotiations between senior Tax Authority officials and representatives of the Agriculture Ministry. Agriculture Minister Shalom Simchon has called for its quick implementation.
The compensation is intended for agriculturalists in 51 communities surrounding Gaza that suffered serious indirect damages during the military operation. These include moshav and kibbutz-type communities as well as private ranches.
Initial payments are to be made in a matter of days, the Agriculture Ministry said.
The Gaza Belt is one of the most important regions for winter agriculture in Israel, for local market consumption as well as export. Tens of thousands of dunams of land serve for growing potatoes, carrots, vegetables, spice plants and flowers.
A similar compensation plan is being drawn up for communities outside the Gaza Belt but within 40 km. of Gaza.