PM Benjamin Netanyahu (c) with Kisra-Samia Mayor Yasser Jidba and Druze MK Afef Abed (Prime Minister’s Spokesperson)
The Israeli government is set to approve its largest-ever five-year plan for the Druze and Circassian communities, allocating $1.08 billion (NIS 3.9 billion) for socioeconomic development from 2025 to 2029. The decision, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will be submitted for approval on Sunday, March 9, 2025, and will focus on key regions, including the Galilee, Mt. Carmel, and the Golan Heights.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz, follows extensive staff work conducted by the PMO’s Druze and Circassian Communities Socio-economic Development Authority, under the leadership of outgoing Director General Yossi Shelley.
This transformational plan aims to improve living conditions, strengthen community infrastructure, and address long-standing challenges in housing and urban planning—issues that have affected Druze and Circassian residents for many years.
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With this historic investment, Israel is making a major commitment to the economic growth and social development of these communities, ensuring a stronger and more sustainable future.
The Druze are a unique religious and cultural community primarily residing in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan. Like Jews, they are a religion and a nation of people. The Druze faith is a monotheistic religion that emerged in the 11th century as an offshoot of Isma’ili Shi’a Islam. They have a long and complex history in the Middle East, marked by periods of both autonomy and conflict.
The Circassians are an indigenous people of the North Caucasus region, historically known as Circassia. Large Circassian communities exist in the diaspora, where they strive to preserve their cultural heritage. The community in Israel is a unique and important part of the country’s diverse population.
Circassians in Israel have integrated into Israeli society while preserving their heritage. They serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is a significant aspect of their integration and are considered a loyal minority within Israel.
“This is an unprecedented plan that will move the Druze community forward,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Kisra-Samia Mayor and Forum of Druze and Circassian Local Council Heads Yasser Jidban, thanked Netanyahu for his aid for the Druze community
Under the plan, which was formulated with all Government ministries, NIS 650 million ($180 million) will be allocated for planning and housing, a designated planning committee will be established for the communities, and detailed planning will be accelerated.
The plan will also lead to the strengthening of the local authorities, with over one billion Shekels being allocated to boost their budgets, advance organizational efficiency and improve service to residents, and develop sources of revenue by advancing economic initiatives.
The one billion Shekels will be invested in the following fields:
* Employment, and economic and tourist development
* Involving community members in high-tech
* Increasing productivity
* Developing industrial zones
* Supporting small and mid-size businesses
* Professional training and employment guidance
* Developing transportation infrastructure and public transportation in the communities
* Developing social welfare services for residents
* Increasing cultural and sports activities and developing tourism.
