Israel cabinet set to vote on 2024 wartime budget, higher deficit
Israeli cabinet ministers have began what is expected to be a marathon session on approving an amended 2024 budget to account for a sharp rise in spending to finance the country’s conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Reuters reports.
Typically, the discussions last into the night and a vote may not occur until daybreak on Monday.
Israel last year approved a two-year budget for 2023 and 2024, but the conflict against Hamas in Gaza has shaken government finances, requiring budget changes and additional spending.
Billions of shekels in extra finance is needed to fund the military, compensate reservists and the tens of thousands who live near the border and have been displaced, as well as those directly affected by the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.
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