Apartheid? Hardly.

Israel's Knesset this week signaled its desire to boost local Arab participation in the country's booming hi-tech industry.

Lawmakers approved a two-year plan to invest 20 million shekels ($5.6 million) of public funds toward the creation of technology parks in Arab towns.

The plan, which the government intends to finalize in the next couple months, will also cost the state a further 5 million in infrastructure development.

The Times of Israel reported that the goal is to boost Arab sector employment and close income gaps.

While Israel's detractors are often shouting about supposed "apartheid" in the Jewish state, they are often totally ignoring the state's official policy on such matters.

Israel as a state is committed to equality between its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens. And, as this story demonstrates, Israel is putting its money where its mouth is.

PHOTO: Companies like Intel come to Israel seeking its innovative young talent. The Knesset hopes to get more local Arabs involved. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)