JERUSALEM, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Finance Ministry announced Monday that it will increase the 2025 state budget by 30.8 billion shekels (around 9.1 billion U.S. dollars) to cover a range of war-related expenses.
The budget increase, expected to be approved by the government on Tuesday, is primarily intended to finance the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the 12-day war with Iran in mid-June.
The budget will also cover an increase in national insurance payments, reflecting the growing number of casualties from recent hostilities.
The move will raise Israel's annual deficit ceiling from 4.9 percent to 5.2 percent. The total spending limit for 2025 will climb to an estimated 650.3 billion shekels. ■
