At a meeting this evening, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) gave the Jewish Agency approval to dramatically increase the rate of Ethiopian aliyah to 250 per month.

Tonight’s meeting was chaired by the PMO Director-General and included representatives of the Interior, Treasury and Absorption Ministries along with the Jewish Agency.

A source close to the issue told eJP that objections were raised by both the Finance and Absorption Ministries, with the latter arguing vigorously against the increase. The final decision to increase the monthly rate was made by the Prime Minister.

The Jewish Agency’s Chair of the Executive, Natan Sharansky, responded, “The Jewish Agency is thrilled by this decision and will do everything in our power to bring this historic aliyah to its completion as quickly as possible. We thank PM Netanyahu for his leadership on this issue.”

If all proceeds according to plan, those approved should reach Israel by October 2013.