Knesset member Meir Porush has initiated demands to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to impose sanctions against Moldova. The issue arose due to restrictions for Israelis planning a trip to Uman, where the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov is located.
Amid increasing international difficulties and intensifying boycotts against Israel, Porush calls for an escalation of the conflict with Moldova. According to the deputy, the country is creating obstacles for pilgrims wishing to visit a place sacred to them.
Porush’s Position
Porush insists on imposing sanctions up to the prohibition of emergency entry of Moldovan workers into Israel. He expresses the opinion that it is time to “switch to the stick” instead of soft diplomatic actions. Nevertheless, such measures could lead to undesirable consequences for both the Moldovan economy and Israel itself.
The workforce from Moldova in Israel numbers about 15,000 people, who make a significant contribution to the economy. These workers often hold positions in construction projects and social services, and the likelihood that their absence will negatively affect the industries is high.
Such a step could cause delays in construction, an increase in housing prices, and problems with social services, which are extremely important for the elderly and the sick. The context of such power raises questions about how much the deputy considers the consequences of his decisions for Israeli citizens.
Double Struggle
Porush is not the only one concerned about the situation. Shas party leader Aryeh Deri is actively working with ministries in this context to fund trips to Uman and prevent the arrests of IDF draft dodgers.
Debates are being conducted on two fronts: one aimed at preventing the conscription of yeshiva students, the other at organizing support for pilgrims in Uman, including security and logistics issues.
Infrastructure Funding
The government has agreed to allocate 10 million shekels for Moldova to create the necessary infrastructure, which has become a significant innovation. The precedent is that for the first time such amounts are allocated for the improvement of infrastructure abroad, taking into account the interests of Israelis.
However, there is concern that such precedents may lead to increased future demands. Currently, about 40,000 pilgrims intend to visit Uman, obliging the Moldovan authorities to set certain conditions for preparing for their arrival.