Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionism party, addressed the continued fighting today (Monday) in a faction meeting in the Knesset, focusing on the allocation of budgets for the southern cities.
At the outset of his remarks, he referred to the battles with Hamas and the government's objective for the operation. "We have one mandate, and one mandate only, which is victory. What is victory? When an Gazan child wakes up in the morning and a child in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Gaza strip envelope too, will not wonder if we won, if there was a defeat of evil, and good triumphed, only then will we know that we won."
The Minister of Finance added: "This is the one and only mandate of the State of Israel. Not a ceasefire, not a truce, not a temporary arrangement, but the complete destruction of Hamas and terrorist organizations. We have a determined and strong army, we have soldiers in the combat zones who understand their historical role and lead the fighting spirit of the people, pulling the State of Israel forward with great determination."
Smotrich: "All the budgetary priorities have changed in favor of the war"
After addressing the security aspect, Smotrich presented the economic plans that have emerged as a result of the war. He stated, "Let it be clear, the wallet is open for any necessary measure to secure victory on the frontlines and the home front, regarding reports on the budget for the war and coalition funds."
According to his words, "I state explicitly and unambiguously that all budgetary priorities are changing for the benefit of the war. Period. Just today, the government approved transferring 59 million shekels to Ashkelon, Ofakim, and other authorities assisting the State of Israel in its wartime effort and accommodating residents living in conflict areas."
He also added that today, the government approved the decision of the socio-economic cabinet to transfer a total of one billion shekels for the establishment of a rehabilitation authority that will operate as quickly as possible for the establishment and recovery of kibbutzim and settlements in the Gaza envelope. The families of the abducted and missing will be recognized as families affected by acts of enmity.
"We provided immediate financial aid, with up to 1,000 NIS for each resident of the Gaza strip envelope, and up to 5,000 NIS for families, which is transferred to most within 24 hours. We allocated 30 million NIS in initial assistance to the settlements in the Gaza strip envelope. In the field of taxes, we announced the cancellation of fines for failure to submit reports for the month of September for Gaza strip envelope residents."
The minister also mentioned that every resident in the Gaza strip envelope and in Ashkelon will receive full compensation for both direct and indirect damages. "However, we don't want the processes to be delayed, so we are providing advance payment to families whose homes were affected in the Gaza strip envelope, in Ashkelon, and in the northern settlements. We have also opened the option to submit an advance request, even before filing a formal claim. Advance compensation can reach up to half a million NIS."
"We have established a dedicated center within the Tax Authority that assists reserve soldiers. This includes an online channel and a team that takes care of them, sometimes even proactively. We have announced the cancellation of fines for not submitting September reports and an extension for submitting reports for reserve soldiers and compensation for employers and self-employed individuals for their reserve duty days, compensation that will be transferred immediately and not at the end of the war."
A line of benefits for employers and the self-employed
Regarding the issue of business owners, Smotrich said, "Last Thursday, I announced an initial economic plan for the economy during the war. The plan includes a business continuity grant that will, for the first time, assist businesses throughout the country to stay afloat and drive the Israeli economy forward. This plan is larger and more comprehensive than the one during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's just the beginning."
According to him, the freeze on tax collection and enforcement proceedings has been extended for all tax-related issues. The minister also instructed to ease the submission of reports and extend the deadlines for annual reports and wealth declarations. A property tax compensation center with instructions for dealing comprehensively with direct damages has been established. Additionally, he instructed the deferral of National Insurance and VAT payments, extension of licenses, and postponement of fees. Smotrich stated, "Of course, this applies nationwide, and everyone will receive full compensation for direct damages."
"In addition, a state-backed loan fund was established with eased requirements for existing businesses. We acknowledged Ashkelon as a settlement, like the settlements located within up to seven kilometers from the border, that is also eligible for compensation for war damages.
Furthermore, the minister announced that he has ordered an extension of licenses, a deferment of payments, and a suspension of debt collection proceedings for all Israeli citizens. Additionally, Smotrich signed an exemption from customs duties on the import of milk for an additional three months.
Furthermore, it is stated that students will continue to receive discounts on public transportation based on a declaration, without the need for a new student certificate. Israeli citizens who are U.S. citizens will receive an extension when submitting their annual report to U.S. tax authorities.
In conclusion, Smotrich said, "Contributions that support the war effort on the frontlines and on the home front have been exempt from customs duties. The Tax Authority expedited the payment of a work grant by two months: 230,000 eligible recipients will receive the money next Thursday and more."