Netanyahu orders 'opening the money taps': The war has brought economic costs
Stating that the war in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is conducting air and ground attacks, has brought economic costs to them, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had given instructions to "open the money taps and pour money into everyone who needs it."
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According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Press Office, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a joint press conference with far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Speaking about the war economy, Netanyahu noted that he had given instructions to "open the money taps and pour money into everyone who needs it."
Netanyahu said, "The war has brought us economic costs, but we will pay them without hesitation."
Finance Minister Smotrich also announced a series of financial aid and support packages for those called up as reserve soldiers in the Israeli army, Israelis evacuated from conflict zones, and businesses across the country.
Smotrich stated that income tax, social security, and other payments across the country have been suspended for November, and that the accrual of taxes for soldiers called up for service has been halted until further notice.
Pointing out that approximately 25 thousand of the 160 thousand people evacuated from conflict zones across the country have been placed in hotels, and that this costs the treasury approximately 376 million dollars per month, Smotrich stated that the salaries of those evacuated from these regions will also be paid by the treasury.
THE ISSUE OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY'S TAX SHARE WAS NOT ADDRESSED
It was noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich did not address the issue of paying or withholding the tax shares of the Palestinian Authority, which has caused disagreement within the government.
Minister Smotrich had previously described the Palestinian Authority as "a source of problems, not a partner for a solution" and announced that the Palestinian side's tax share would not be paid.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on the other hand, had stated in the security cabinet that the Palestinian Authority's tax share should be paid.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had supported the Finance Minister's decision, stating that the Palestinian Authority "should declare the October 7 attacks as a terrorist attack and condemn them."
In contrast, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stated that the Israeli government should pay the Palestinian Authority's tax share, announcing that "they have requested that the money be sent by Israel."