Israeli mothers protest against benefit cuts

The mothers have set up a protest camp in Jerusalem

Israel's single mothers have stepped up their protest against welfare cuts, despite an offer of jobs from the government.

Single mothers from all over the country have set up camp in front of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's office in Jerusalem.

The move comes in response to a government decision to slash benefits for single mothers by between $150 (£90) and $300 (£210) a month, in an effort to encourage them to work.

The cuts in allowances paid to single mothers are part of sweeping cuts made to the welfare state in this year's budget, as Israel struggles to get its economy back on track.

A general strike in protest against the proposed budget brought the country to a standstill in May, but a compromise was eventually passed through parliament.

Escalating crisis

Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned trip to the US as he tries to address the growing social crisis at home.

Strikes paralysed the country in May

"The message of this plan is go to work. We will help you. But we will not negotiate with the single mothers about reinstating the allowances," Mr Netanyahu said at an emergency conference on Monday.

Mr Netanyahu's plan, which is still being finalised, will give single parents government-sponsored jobs or community work.

But many mothers are sceptical that the jobs will really be created as Israel is facing soaring unemployment.

The single mothers rallied around Vikky Knafu, who started the protest by walking to Jerusalem from the Negev desert.

She was later joined by Ilana Azoulay who walked to Jerusalem pushing her wheelchair-bound son.

Since then, the protest has attracted a growing number of followers and wide media coverage.