Growing social inequality in Israel

[IndianaGreen]

Growing social inequality in Israel
By Rick Kelly
23 April 2005

The government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has taken significant steps towards dismantling what remains of the Israeli welfare state. In the first few decades after independence, the Zionist state developed an extensive and relatively generous welfare system and network of social services. Today, however, in the face of the dictates of the capitalist global economy, both Likud and the Labour Party agree that such unprofitable expenditures must be radically reduced, if not eliminated.

In 2004, out of the 30 countries belonging to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, Israel ranked 24th on the scale of social expenditure. This was down from 20th place just two years earlier. Unemployment allotments have fallen by a staggering 43 percent since 2002—and this without any significant decrease in unemployment, which currently stands at almost 10 percent. The National Insurance Institute has estimated that only one in five of those out of work are eligible for any unemployment benefits. Similar welfare cuts can be seen in every other area. Family payments are down 40 percent; guaranteed income for retirees down 20 percent.

In both the health and education systems, government spending has been reduced and private provision has been promoted. The Sharon government has effectively developed a two-tier health system by stealth. The state health system is being starved of funds, encouraging those who can afford it to pay for their own treatments. According to the Adva Centre, private health spending more than doubled between 1997 and 2002.

In February, 90 public hospital officials and doctors demanded that the government convene a public inquiry to investigate the health care crisis. “Paediatric wards are overflowing and intensive care units are blocked to capacity,” they wrote. “Behind these numbers lie people in flesh and blood. The situation is claiming victims.”

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/apr2005/isra-a23.shtml

[Erika]

1. American inequality exceeds Israel inequality

But the conservative press won't report on it. By the way, the last I heard, we are sending Israel millions each day out of our tax base.

[lenidog]

2. It usually averages 3 billion dollars a year

making them the largest foreign aid recipient of the US. Also Egypt come in second place with about 2 billion a year.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Where do you find this information?

I am not trying to be a smart ass, but I see that 3 billion number thrown out often. I have done some research, but since I don't understand economics well, perhaps you (or someone else) can explain these charts to me.

The following chart is from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development -- Aid Statistics, Donor Aid Charts.


Then there are these charts from Aid Statistics, Recipient Aid Charts. They are based on 2002-2003 stats.

Top ten donors gave Israel $705.1 million USD. The US gave $666.4.
Aid to Israel


Top ten donors gave Egypt $1,395 million USD. The US gave $831 USD.
Aid to Egypt


Top ten donors gave Palestine $1,191 million USD. The US gave $166 million USD.
Aid to Palestine


So, if I am reading these charts correctly, the US gave $164.6 million USD less to Israel than Egypt, but gave $500.4 million USD more to Israel than Palestine. However, on the total amount of aid received from all nations (well, at least the top ten), then 95% of aid to Israel comes from the US, 60% of aid to Egypt comes from the US, and 14% of aid to Palestine comes from the US. However, Egypt receives 51% more foreign aid than Israel and Palestine receives 59% more foreign aid than Israel. Am I reading these charts correctly? Because if I am, it seems people are complaining about something that doesn't really exist. However, economics is not my strong point. So, if I am reading this wrong, please let me know.

[bemildred]

4. Opinions seem to vary, and current numbers are hard to find.

And one can haggle a good deal over how the money is structured,
and people do.

However you are citing non-military aid, and military aid is the
major portion of what Israel gets. There has been a tendency in
recent years for the portions received by Egypt and Israel under
the peace settlement to decline, but I don't have the numbers.
Nevertheless, it changes, it's not some sort of fixed point.

It is true that the $3 billion is a chestnut, but not necessarily
true that it is misleading, and it seems to be "accepted" that the
order is Israel, Egypt, Colombia for total US aid numbers, and I
would expect it to be disputed if it was disputable.

Just my 2c.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Thanks for the information

When I see something batted around, I always wonder it comes from. If someone occasionally mentions something, I may accept it or not, but when something seems to be "gospel" and I don't know where it comes from, I go looking. And you are just whistling Dixie about it is "hard to find" information on military aid! I searched for a few hours and still couldn't find squat...just what I found, which you and lenindog explained is NON-military loans. So, I will just have to keep looking.

Thanks for the info!

[lenidog]

5. I usually find it in various different journals or magazines

and it is usually a mixture of direct aid, loans, and deals given on military equipment. So its already distilled down for me from various sources like the charts you have. It also seems to be the average number given by everyone no matter what the author's political persuasion or stance on Israel. Some years its higher and some years its lower, also since the creation of Israel the figure is 84 billion dollars is given on the total amount of aid given.

[Behind the Aegis]

6. Thanks for the explanation

I haven't been able to find figures for military aid. I kept hearing "3 billion" but never heard any cites or references. So, is the 3 billion inclusive of non-military aid or not? I can see how non-monetary things (weapons, personnel, etc.) can inflate or deflate the going number.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[newyorican]

9. wrong forum...

This is Israel/Palestine issues forum. Only one of those is currently a nation, though that doesn't prevent both parties from being criticized. Try Foreign Affairs & Defense forum for other nations.

[Coastie for Truth]

10. That is a valid point

[newyorican]

11. US fronts Israel another $3 billion

Yes kiddies, that's another 3 bilion dollars.

U.S. and Israeli officials meet over disengagement funds

Israel has asked for indirect financial aid ahead of the disengagement, and the Bush administration has agreed to front Jerusalem a 3 billion-dollar financial guarantee until 2008, Israel Radio said Wednesday.

Israeli delegates met with the U.S. officials in Washington predawn on Wednesday to begin talks on financial aid for development in the Negev and the Galilee.

read more...

But, but...you have to criticize all other countries before Israel...er, right?

WRONG!

I will start with the country that is in my pocket up to thier elbow before all others...shit, we're not even getting overpriced (BIG!) oil for this money.

Such a deal...

[Darranar]

12. Another result of the Likud government. n/t