Israel's parliament gave its initial approval to an amended 2024 state budget that adds tens of billions of shekels to fund Israel's war against Hamas, with higher defence spending and compensation to households and businesses hurt by the conflict.
The Knesset in Jerusalem
Israel's parliament gave its initial approval to an amended 2024 state budget that adds tens of billions of shekels to fund Israel's war against Hamas, with higher defence spending and compensation to households and businesses hurt by the conflict.
Lawmakers voted 57-50 to approve the spending package of 584 billion shekels ($159 billion), or 724 billion including debt repayment, according to a statement by the Knesset, Israel's parliament.
The budget now heads for debate in parliament's finance committee, where it may undergo adjustments ahead of its second and third votes expected later this month. The budget needs to pass three votes to become law.
($1 = 3.6654 shekels)
Reporting by Steven Scheer
Senior air force commanders from Greece, Israel and Cyprus held a confidential meeting in Nicosia on Wednesday, as the three countries reportedly explore expanded security cooperation and tighter operational coordination.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Wednesday that negotiations with Israel should not be seen as a form of capitulation, stressing that dialogue is a necessary tool to strengthen security and stability, particularly in southern Lebanon.
More than two months after Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire halting two years of devastating warfare in Gaza, most fighting has stopped.
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