CMEP Bulletin: Housing Protests and Settlements Grow, Congress Goes to Israel, and More
Housing Protests in Israel Grow
On Saturday night, at least 250,000 Israelis of all political persuasions took to the streets to express their discontent. While there have been protests for about a month, this was the biggest turnout yet. The protestors largely represent Israel’s middle class and say that average, middle income Israelis are disproportionately burdened with the rising costs of housing, food, gasoline and high taxation, while social services are shrinking.
Some Arab-Israelis, who make up about 20 percent of the Israeli population, have joined in the protests. In a Foreign Policy piece, Dov Waxman writes, “by joining this movement Arabs are sending the message that they are also part of Israeli society, and that they have to deal with the some of the same challenges that Israeli Jews do and are willing to join them in addressing these challenges.”
Click here to continue reading this CMEP Bulletin, including the following items:
- Israeli government reacts to protests at Palestinians’ expense
- UN repercussions
- Congress goes on a field trip to Israel
- Easing Gaza’s housing crisis