Exposure of Housing Minister Scandal

8 January 2015

Last week, Israel was abuzz when Channel 2 News revealed that Housing Minister Uri Ariel sold state property designated for public housing to religious institutions affiliated with his Jewish Home political party at discount prices. Such a move, at a time when hundreds of underprivileged families are in desperate need of housing solutions, is another indication of the government’s complete disregard for Israel’s poorest citizens.

Following the exposé, the SHATIL coordinated Forum for Public Housing successfully petitioned the Attorney General to open a criminal investigation of these allegations. Yesterday, Israel’s Attorney General froze the deal.

Additionally, the Forum recently facilitated the first-reading adoption of two bills ensuring transparency of decisions on public housing and provision of funding for alternative housing solutions for public housing candidates. They will continue their work safeguarding the right to affordable housing in the future.