Israel denies UAE claims of agriculture funding, confirms local investment in Arab sectors

Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Monday dismissed claims that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is investing in agricultural infrastructure for Arab communities in Israel. The denial comes after reports suggesting that the UAE Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security intends to invest some 10 million shekels ($2.7 million) to boost agricultural efforts in those areas.

Initial reports indicated that the UAE investment was aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector in Arab communities by improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable farming methods. It was reported to include the rehabilitation of agricultural roads, construction and repair of irrigation pipelines, and the modernization of livestock buildings, among other things.

However, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has clarified that these reports are inaccurate and called them “deliberate deception.” According to a press release issued by the Israeli ministry, the Israeli government is actually funding these initiatives. The release stated that the ministry is allocating around NIS 10 million to develop agricultural infrastructure in Arab settlements.

Deputy Director General for Investment and Financing at the Ministry, Yossi Steinberg, commented on the development. “The Ministry of Agriculture will provide investment subsidies and various forms of support for agriculture in Arab communities as part of the government’s decision to reduce the gap between Arab society and the general public,” Steinberg said. This investment is part of a broader government-backed multi-year plan to strengthen and promote the socio-economic development of Arab society by 2026. The plan covers various sectors such as employment, education, social welfare and social security, health, economic rehabilitation and others.