The Defense Ministry has released the final criteria for compensation for those affected by the Judea and Samaria construction freeze. Those seeking compensation can apply using three tracks: the Green Track, the Red Track, and the Track for Builders and Businessmen.
Compensation was won due to a Knesset initiative led by MKs Uri Ariel (Ichud Leumi – National Union) and Danny Danon (Likud). The two fought for changes that will make it easier for those who suffered financial losses to apply for their money back.
The ministry has released its list of criteria before; however, previous drafts were not binding. The final version contains some changes, the most significant of which is the fact that those who received permits to build in the 30 days before the freeze was announced will no longer be required to use the longer, more complex Red Track.
The Green Track is the fastest track, and allows freeze victims to get their money back within 30 days of submitting the paperwork. This track is for those who bought an apartment that has not been finished due to the freeze, and have been forced to continue to pay rent for the past several months instead of moving in to their new home.
Compensation will be provided based on the price of housing in the area in which the applicant purchased a home, and not the area in which they actually live.
The Red Track is for those in a similar situation to Green Track applicants, but who are paying more in rent than is allowed under Green Track criteria. Red Track applicants can expect to receive their money within 90 days, but only if the payment is authorized by a special Compensation Committee.
The Builders and Businessmen Track will assist the financial backers of construction projects in Judea and Samaria that were temporarily shut down during the freeze. The government will provide compensation primarily for changes in the interest rate and for salaries paid to workers who were hired before the freeze and could not be fired, despite having nothing to do.
Businessmen who invested in stores or factories affected by the freeze will also be compensated. City councils that lost money can apply for compensation under a different ordinance.
MK Ariel expressed satisfaction that the list had been published, but added, “It's unfortunate that it took so long for the Treasury to give residents what we've been asking for.” He urged those who have been affected by the freeze to apply for compensation immediately, “and not to wait until the last minute.”