The budget of the Authority for Jewish National Identity, amounting to 285 million NIS, is set to be reallocated towards war affairs, as announced by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, MK Avi Maoz, on Wednesday morning. This decision comes amid mounting public pressure and the growing need for substantial budgets during wartime. It is anticipated that similar moves to close down other offices and government authorities will follow suit.

During a meeting convened yesterday, which included the participation of Yossi Shelley, the Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, and Nir Orbach, the head of the Jewish National Identity Authority, it was decided that the authority's budget would be redirected to support evacuees from the Gaza Strip area, as well as cities and localities in the southern and northern regions of Israel. This includes those who have been displaced from Kiryat Shmona and other localities in the north.

סגן השר, אבי מעוז, הוא השלישי בקואליציה שמוותר על הכספים והתקנים שקיבל לטובת צורכי המלחמה. קדמו לו גלית דיסטל אובריאן ויו״ר הקואליציה, אופיר כץ. היתר נאלצו להקפיא את הכספים הקואליציוניים שלהם, וחלקם עוד נלחמים על שחרור התקציבים. pic.twitter.com/3avZ9qGEAJ

— דפנה ליאל (@DaphnaLiel) October 25, 2023

Maoz expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "We cannot stand idly by when the entire nation of Israel is engaged in a battle against a cruel enemy who is determined to oppose us relentlessly. We are grateful for the opportunity to mobilize in support of our fellow citizens from the townships surrounding the southern cities and the communities of the north."

Shelley emphasized the integration of the Authority, its budget, and its employees into the newly established headquarters within the Prime Minister's Office. He also underscored the intention to make the most of the additional resources that have joined their efforts to provide assistance to residents in the affected areas and those who have been evacuated from their homes due to the ongoing conflict.

Nir Orbach, the head of the Authority, added, "Since the outbreak of the war on the morning of Simchat Torah, it became evident that we could not proceed with our plans from the previous year. Instead, we are directing the entire budget of the Authority towards aiding and rehabilitating the families of evacuees and bolstering the civil resilience of the State of Israel during these challenging times."

"נשלם לך כדי שתרצח יהודים - רצחת עשרה יהודים? אתה והמשפחה שלך מסודרים" - כך אמרה ח"כ גלית דיסטל: "אנחנו מתעסקים פה עם חיות אדם. אנחנו מוקפים בנאצים, באנשים שהמוטיבציה היחידה שלהם זה רצח יהודים"@GalitDistel pic.twitter.com/58wr60MJWv

— ערוץ כנסת (@KnessetT) October 25, 2023

Maoz echoed the sentiments of Minister of Information Galit Distal regarding the closure of the office and her resignation. The budget of the Ministry of Information, totaling 23.8 million NIS, and 29 standards, will be redirected to support the Takuma Directorate for the rehabilitation of kibbutzim and villages around Gaza. This decision comes on the heels of the government's approval of the ministry's abolition.

The political establishment anticipates that, given the current public pressure and the ongoing state of war, more ministers may announce the closure of their respective offices or government authorities that are less pertinent during this period. This includes the possibility of merging ministerial roles within government offices, a move aimed at streamlining resources and focusing on the critical needs of the nation during this challenging time.