Cabinet Approves Continued Economic Benefits for Sderot and the Communities
Adjacent to the Gaza Strip in 2013

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

The Cabinet, today (Sunday, 4 November 2012), unanimously approved economic
benefits for Sderot and the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip for 2013. The
aid package includes:

Economic benefits for area residents:

* 20% tax exemption

* 30% discount on local property tax for residences

* Daycare subsidies.

Expanded health and social welfare services:

* Expanded psychological and psychological-social services for those
suffering from shock, especially children, at five area centers

* Assistance in operating emergency medical services – additional critical
care ambulances, operation of a night medical switchboard and increased
staff at the Sderot mental health care center.

Special assistance for local councils:

* Economic assistance to local councils – NIS 8 million for the Municipality
of Sderot and NIS 5 million for the regional councils in the area.

Employment assistance and aid to businesses:

* Operation of an employment track to absorb new employees in the area

* 24% discount on local property tax for industry, commerce and services

* 15% preference in the allocation of foreign workers for agriculture

* Exemption from Israel Land Administration leasing fees

It should be noted that the current government has made similar decisions to
strengthen civilian resilience in each of the past four years at an overall
cost of NIS 785 million.

This decision joins last week's Cabinet decision regarding protection for
the homes of residents 4.5-7 kilometers from the Gaza Strip perimeter fence
http://www.pmo.gov.il/English/MediaCenter/Spokesman/Pages/spokeMigun281012.aspx
and completes the strategy of national resilience in the area: A combination
of diplomatic, security and civilian components that strengthens the
resilience of area residents and councils.