The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahuand the Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrichapproved on Tuesday an immediate additional transfer of tens of billions of shekels to the Defense budget to finance the war against Iran and Lebanon, amid the continuity of the military offensive that began on February 28 together with the United States.
Netanyahu explained that the increase in military spending responds to the high cost of military operations. “We had to embark on this campaign and we are working even harder with our heroic soldiers and pilots. However, there is a big but: it costs money, a lot of money“said the head of Government in a video message broadcast on his channels.
The prime minister stressed that the cost of the offensive against Iran forces the Government to approve a special war budget with the aim of supporting the armed forces and military operations.
Smotrich indicated that the increase in the military budget amounts to “tens of billions of shekels“, although he did not offer details about the exact figure. The minister maintained that the increase should be understood “not as an expense, but as an investment”.
The official also explained that, to facilitate the approval of the budget, the Government will put on hold some initiatives considered controversial. Among them he mentioned the advancement of the ultra-Orthodox recruitment law and other reforms that do not have a broad political consensus.
In parallel, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saarstated on Tuesday that the country is not seeking “an endless war“against the Iranian regime and noted that the conflict will end”in due course”, after consulting with the administration of the American president donald trump the right time to end the war.
During a press conference in Jerusalem with his German counterpart, Johann WadephulSaar noted that Israel has already made progress in the military offensive against Iran.
“We have already made great achievements and, in due course, we will consult with our American friends when we feel the time is right to do so. We are not looking for an endless war“, held.
The minister also urged the international community to adopt more severe diplomatic measures against Tehran.
“Chancellor (German, Friedrich) Mertz was right when he stated that Israel is doing everyone’s dirty work. The international community enjoys the results of our actions, but does not always support us”, he expressed.
Saar also recalled that Germany led the process for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to be designated as a terrorist organization in the European Union and called for moving towards new measures.
“I think it is time for countries to take the next step and cut all diplomatic ties with the terrorist regime that you yourself defined as lacking legitimacy.”, he stated.
The Israeli official also criticized the lack of significant action by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) against the Shiite militia Hezbollah.
According to him, Hezbollah attacked Israel after the death of the Ayatollah Ali Khameneiwhich provoked an Israeli military response with bombings in Lebanese territory.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
