In May 2026, a broad coalition of Arab local leadership and civil society organizations in Israel launched a national initiative to prepare for the next governmental five-year socio-economic development plan for Arab society, expected to succeed Government Resolution 550 (GR-550).
GR-550 marked a significant expansion of multi-year governmental investment in Arab society in Israel. As the current resolution approaches its conclusion at the end of 2026, there are questions regarding the continuity, scope, and implementation of the next five-year plan, particularly in light of shifting government priorities and upcoming elections. In this context, the ability to present a fully developed, professionally grounded, and broadly supported policy framework in advance becomes increasingly important.
The initiative is a joint effort led by the National Committee for Heads of Arab Local Authorities (NCHALA), together with leading Arab civil society organizations, researchers, policy experts, and former public officials. The process reflects a broad field commitment to ensuring the next phase of socio-economic development for Arab society in Israel is informed by accumulated experience, grounded in field realities, and shaped by professional civil society and professional collaboration.
NCHALA established a coordinating headquarters headed by Hassan Towafra, former Director General of the Authority for Economic Development of Arab Society. Planning work will be conducted by headquarter staff overseeing 16 civil-society organization-led teams, with guidance by policy advisors. Each team is chaired by a leading expert selected based on professional expertise rather than organizational affiliation, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and collective ownership.
The overarching goal of the initiative is to significantly increase the likelihood that the next governmental five-year plan will be:
The initiative seeks not only to produce high-quality policy recommendations, but also to strengthen the professional and public discourse around the continuity and importance of long-term governmental investment in Arab society. Organizers aim to generate a “bottom-up” momentum that will encourage future governments to continue and deepen multi-year planning frameworks.
The professional teams cover a wide range of strategic fields, including education, higher education and employment, economic development, local government, planning and housing, transportation, personal security and violence prevention, health, welfare, informal education, emergency preparedness, Bedouin society, and culture and sports. Several topics that received insufficient attention in previous plans are now receiving dedicated focus, including emergency preparedness, qualitative employment outcomes, local governance capacity,
The 16 teams are organized to align with government structures to facilitate easier integration into future state budgets. Team leaders include professionals from Sharakat, Sikkuy-Aufoq, Mossawa Center for Arab Citizens of Israel, El-Byader, Ilaf Center for the Advancement of Safety in Arab Society, Aaron Institute for Economic Policy, Injaz Center, NAS Research and Consulting, Arab Center for Alternative Planning (ACAP), MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, DARKA Schools, and local authorities. .
Objectives for key areas include:
The work process will combine policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, public engagement, expert consultations, and coordination with government officials. Between June and July 2026, the teams will focus on research, mapping, and lessons learned from previous five-year plans. This will be followed by public consultation and validation processes, leading toward the publication of a comprehensive policy framework document in the Fall 2026.
Alongside the policy work itself, the initiative also includes a public engagement and advocacy component aimed at strengthening awareness and support for the continuation of multi-year governmental investment in Arab society.
At a time of political uncertainty and anticipated elections, the initiative represents a proactive effort by Arab leadership and civil society to arrive prepared for the next government with a coherent, professional, and broadly supported policy agenda. Its organizers view the process as an opportunity not only to influence the next five-year plan, but also to strengthen the infrastructure of knowledge, coordination, and civic leadership within Arab society itself.
Multiple proposals and discussions since late 2025 have sought to divert GR 550 funds toward policing and security initiatives. In May, Minister Golan and Minister Ben Gvir proposed yet another move, which would divert approximately NIS 1.4 billion—representing most of the unallocated funds remaining for 2026—from development programs in Arab communities to crime-fighting initiatives led by the police and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).
The proposal follows a December 2025 government decision that increased the Prime Minister’s Office oversight over certain GR 550 budget transfers. On May 20, the Acting Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly instructed government ministries to identify budget lines that could be redirected toward anti-crime efforts, and discussions regarding the scope of the proposed cuts remain ongoing.
While many government ministries reportedly oppose the move, there is concern that portions of the remaining funds may ultimately be diverted from programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, including education, employment, youth services, welfare, and economic development, potentially undermining long-term efforts to reduce violence and reduce socio-economic gaps in Arab communities.
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