Disagreement between Regev and Smotrich on 1 billion-shekel road safety proposal

A disagreement over funding between Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is intensifying before the upcoming Cabinet meeting this Sunday, where the government will discuss a significant multi-year national road safety plan. Concerns have been growing due to the rise in traffic fatalities, with 404 deaths reported this year, including one man who tragically lost his life in a car accident near Ramla last weekend. The initial proposal involves a 50 million shekel ($15.5 million) emergency allocation for 2025 to enhance police enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and oversight. However, the main issue revolves around funding for the upcoming years: Regev’s ministry is requesting 350 million shekels ($108.5 million) annually from 2026 to 2028 — totaling over 1 billion shekels for the five-year plan — with the aim of reducing road fatalities by 25% in five years and 50% within a decade. Regev is urging Smotrich to present a specific budget source within a week to cover the extra annual funding. If a dedicated funding source is not secured, Smotrich would need to propose an alternative financing plan or a revised approach to the Cabinet. This places the responsibility of securing funds solely on the finance minister, potentially setting the stage for further disagreement between the two ministers. Last week, the Knesset's Economic Affairs Committee assessed progress on the road safety plan, where a treasury official expressed willingness to increase the 2026 budget allocation if the plan proves effective. The proposal entails a comprehensive national strategy engaging multiple government agencies for a synchronized, long-term initiative. It features commitments from various ministries and local authorities and emphasizes key measures like enhancing police enforcement, introducing new digital traffic enforcement systems, improving infrastructure, revamping driver education programs, and targeting awareness campaigns toward high-risk groups. The plan sets specific multi-year objectives, consistent funding, and an implementation process backed by research and annual progress reports. However, challenges include the need for significant organizational adjustments across ministries, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and financial commitments to ensure the plan's success. If the Cabinet does not endorse the funding arrangement, the plan may face obstacles moving forward. Regev, who has faced criticism for perceived inaction on road safety, maintains a pivotal role in the implementation of safety measures.