Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a press conference at the PM's office in Jerusalem on March 11, 2020. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday the allocation of 10 billion new shekels (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) to help the Israeli economy counter the impact of coronavirus. (JINI via Xinhua)
JERUSALEM, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday the allocation of 10 billion new shekels (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) to help the Israeli economy counter the impact of coronavirus.
Netanyahu said, "Besides the health challenge, the coronavirus poses a huge challenge in the economic field as well. We will use the amount as first aid to stabilize Israel's economy, along with helping the health system."
Of the total amount of the aid package, 8 billion shekels will be allocated for low-interest loans to small and medium businesses.
In addition, 1 billion shekels will be used to increase the supply of drugs, purchase medical equipment, prepare the hospitals for more patients and prepare medical teams.
The remaining 1 billion shekels will be spent on "special needs," including the crisis management regarding to police, firefighters and prisons.
In addition to this package, Netanyahu noted that a separate individual help will be given to the Israeli aviation industry, which was severely affected by the virus outbreak.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a press conference at the PM's office in Jerusalem on March 11, 2020. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday the allocation of 10 billion new shekels (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) to help the Israeli economy counter the impact of coronavirus. (JINI via Xinhua)
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (1st L) speaks at a press conference at the PM's office in Jerusalem on March 11, 2020. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday the allocation of 10 billion new shekels (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) to help the Israeli economy counter the impact of coronavirus. (JINI via Xinhua)
