Extension of evacuation from North and South leads to major budget cuts

The government announced on Sunday that it will continue to provide benefits to evacuees from towns near the northern and southern borders until August 31. The ruling is for people in southern towns within 7 km of the Gaza Strip border, and those in northern towns within 5 km of the Lebanese border.

Government ministries are facing imminent budget cuts to redirect funds towards supporting evacuees from towns on Israel's northern and southern borders. The cabinet is expected to approve these cuts today, which will affect all ministries with a reduction of 1.03 percent, according to Hebrew media reports. This move has sparked concerns among some ministers who fear it could impact essential services.

Health Minister Ariel Busso expressed particular concern, stating that the NIS 32 million ($8.6 million) cut to his ministry could severely affect services crucial for citizens, comparing the importance of health services to national defence. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also criticized the cuts, highlighting potential setbacks in equipping police, enhancing civilian security, and expanding prison capacity amid ongoing challenges.

According to Times of Israel news reports, the decision on these cuts follows recent allocations of surplus coalition funds to various ministries, a move criticized by opposition leader Avigdor Liberman. He argues that essential budgets like health, welfare, and education are being sacrificed while less critical ministries are safeguarded, calling for a change in leadership.

The debate over budget priorities emerges against the backdrop of efforts to support displaced residents affected by regional conflicts, underscoring the delicate balance between financial responsibility and meeting urgent societal needs.