The Mossawa Center compelled the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security to issue an official response regarding the exhaustion of budgets allocated under Government Resolution 550, designed to reduce social and economic gaps in Arab society.

In its response, the ministry admitted to delays in field implementation and difficulties that hindered the full utilization of funds, particularly in combating domestic violence and developing social services within Arab local authorities.

 According to the government resolution, NIS 20 million were to be allocated annually to fight domestic violence in Arab society. While the ministry confirmed that the funds were indeed earmarked, it acknowledged delays in disbursing them due to difficulties in recruiting professional staff and integrating programs within municipalities. Mossawa emphasized that these funds have not reached affected Arab families despite the urgent need, holding the ministry accountable for the delay.

Under clause 3(b) of the plan, significant budgets were designated to strengthen social welfare departments in Arab municipalities, covering early childhood programs, support for at-risk youth, poverty reduction, employment initiatives, and services for people with disabilities. The ministry argued that implementation depends on the “readiness of local authorities” and the timeline for program development, but failed to provide concrete data on actual expenditure rates. Mossawa criticized this explanation as institutional negligence, masking the persistence of major service gaps for the Arab community.

A Late Commitment Under Public Pressure

Although the plan’s timeframe (2022–2026) is still active, the ministry stated that it would continue allocating funds even after the official period ends, and assured that welfare budgets would not be subject to horizontal cuts. Mossawa considered this commitment a result of its public and legal pressure, noting that the ministry only made such a declaration following the center’s formal appeal.

The ministry stressed that it submits annual reports to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Social Equality. However, Mossawa highlighted that such data are not published publicly or made accessible, weakening public oversight and undermining Arab citizens’ trust in state institutions.

Following the ministry’s response, Mossawa announced it would continue to closely monitor the plan’s implementation and would not hesitate to return to court should no tangible progress be seen on the ground. The center reaffirmed that legal and public pressure will persist until all funds are fully utilized and resources are delivered to their rightful beneficiaries in Arab society.