Israel Pays Billions in War Damage Claims Since October 7
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israel has paid 38.6 billion shekels in war damage compensation since October 7, 2023, covering over 1.18 million claims. This figure is more than ten times the compensation paid during the Second Lebanon War. The compensation fund has shrunk by over 80% to 3.1 billion shekels. Indirect damages, largely due to business disruption, accounted for the majority of payments during "Swords of Iron," while direct damages were higher in "With All Your Might." Over 40,600 indirect damage claims remain pending.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel has paid 38.6 billion shekels in war damage compensation since October 7, 2023.
- The compensation covers approximately 1.18 million claims for direct and indirect damages.
- Payments since October 7 are over ten times higher than during the Second Lebanon War.
- The compensation fund has decreased by over 80% to 3.1 billion shekels.
- Indirect damages, primarily from business disruption, constituted the largest portion of payments during "Swords of Iron."
- Over 40,600 indirect damage claims are still being processed, indicating ongoing costs.
Israel has paid out 38.6 billion shekels in compensation for war-related damages since October 7, 2023, according to updated figures from the Tax Authority. This amount covers approximately 1.18 million claims for direct and indirect damages, reflecting destroyed structures, burned vehicles, disrupted businesses, and an economy operating under fire.
The compensation paid since October 7 is more than ten times the amount paid during the Second Lebanon War (3.67 billion shekels) and significantly higher than during Operation Protective Edge (1.66 billion shekels). The compensation fund, which held 17.7 billion shekels before the war, has dwindled to 3.1 billion shekels, an over 80% decrease despite infusions of cash.
Operation "Swords of Iron" was characterized by widespread business disruption, with 22.4 billion shekels paid for indirect damages (loss of income) compared to 3.3 billion shekels for direct damages. In contrast, during Operation "With All Your Might," direct damages (4 billion shekels) exceeded indirect damages (2.9 billion shekels). Operation "Roaring Lion" saw indirect economic damage dominate with approximately 5 billion shekels.
The Gaza border region received an average compensation of 186,000 shekels per claim, reflecting deep and prolonged impact, partly due to a special track for border communities. The northern border saw over 63,600 claims with an average of 64,300 shekels per claim, indicating sustained business disruption. The rest of the country had over 930,000 claims with a much lower average of 25,700 shekels.
Direct damage payments included 6.37 billion shekels for structures and 613 million shekels for vehicles. Tel Aviv became the largest center for direct damage claims with about 62,800 claims, surpassing Ashkelon. More than 40,600 indirect damage claims are still being processed, with about 87% related to "Roaring Lion," indicating the economic cost of the war continues to accumulate.
