Israeli Government to Cut NIS 2.6 Billion for Defense Needs
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
The Israeli government is set to approve a NIS 2.6 billion budget cut for urgent defense procurement, impacting civilian ministries like education, health, and welfare. This decision, made just before elections, follows a recent NIS 1 billion allocation for Apache helicopters. Ministries are concerned about severe service reductions, particularly in healthcare and welfare for vulnerable populations. Coalition funds are excluded from this budget reduction.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Israeli government will cut NIS 2.6 billion from civilian budgets for urgent defense procurement.
- The budget cut is scheduled to be approved nine days before national elections.
- The Ministry of Education stands to lose NIS 285 million, with potential program reductions.
- Health officials warn of severe impacts on public services, with a NIS 150 million cut.
- The Ministry of Welfare fears harm to services for vulnerable populations.
- Coalition funds are explicitly excluded from the budget reduction.
The Israeli government is expected to approve a significant NIS 2.6 billion budget cut on Sunday, intended for urgent defense procurement. This decision comes just four days after approximately NIS 1 billion was allocated for the purchase of Apache helicopters. The current cut will be across-the-board, affecting various government ministries and is scheduled to take place nine days before elections, raising concerns about potential impacts on civilian programs in education, health, and welfare.
The planned reduction amounts to about 5% of the development and procurement budgets for the ministries, representing roughly 4% of their flexible budgets, excluding funds for salaries and fixed obligations. Unlike a previous cut where funds were solely taken from the Arab sector's investment and development budget, this new measure will be distributed among ministries. Notably, coalition funds remain untouched in both instances.
Key ministries are set to experience substantial reductions: the Ministry of Education may lose NIS 285 million, the Ministry of National Security NIS 225 million, the Ministry of Health NIS 150 million, and the Ministry of Welfare NIS 140 million. The Ministry of Education is considering scaling back external programs, informal activities, and youth movement funding, though teacher and kindergarten staff salaries are not expected to be affected.
Health officials are warning of severe consequences for public services. Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health, has appealed to the Treasury to exempt the health system, cautioning that the cut could significantly impair healthcare services. He noted that this additional reduction would bring the total decrease in the health system's budget to about NIS 600 million since the start of the year.
The Ministry of Welfare also sought to avoid the cut, expressing concern over its impact on vulnerable populations, including victims of violence and individuals with disabilities. The move has also met resistance from some ministers who are trying to protect essential budgets within their departments. Senior Treasury officials stated that the broad, uniform cut was decided upon due to requests from various ministries to exempt specific items.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 3Right 2Arab 2Other 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
