Israel Prepares IDR 13.1 Trillion To Expand East Jerusalem's Control

Jerusalem/UNSPLASH/Sander Crombach

JAKARTA - The Israeli government has revealed a budget plan for the next five years to increase its influence in occupied East Jerusalem.

According to a statement broadcast on Sunday (20/8) by the government, a budget of 3.2 billion Israeli shields (approximately Rp13.1 trillion) has been prepared for investment in East Jerusalem during 2024-2028.

The statement stated that the budgeting of funds was aimed at overcoming social inequality and encouraging economic development in East Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the decision will change the face of Jerusalem," quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, August 21.

"The plan will also increase the number of residents who are able to achieve the diploma of high school," said Netanyahu.

Schools in East Jerusalem implement the Palestinian curriculum, which is called tawjihidan, is material for high school diplomas. However, Israel wants students to be taught the Israeli curriculum.

Palestinians living in occupied East Jerusalem seek to preserve the use of the Palestinian curriculum.

However, they are grappling with Israel's efforts to change the curriculum.