JERUSALEM, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Israel's parliament on Monday approved an additional 30.8 billion shekels (around 9.3 billion U.S. dollars) in spending to cover war-related costs, raising the government's deficit ceiling as fighting continues in Gaza and following June's brief war with Iran.
The Knesset and the Finance Ministry said in separate statements that the measure increases Israel's annual deficit cap from 4.9 percent of GDP to 5.2 percent, and lifts the 2025 spending limit to 650.4 billion shekels.
The budget passed by a narrow margin, with 55 lawmakers voting in favor and 50 against in the 120-seat chamber.
Officials said most of the funds will go toward military operations in Gaza and expenses linked to the 12-day conflict with Iran earlier this year. Additional money will be directed to higher national insurance payments, reflecting the growing number of casualties from the hostilities.
Since the Gaza war erupted nearly two years ago, Israel has fought on multiple fronts, clashing with Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Syria, and even Qatar, a U.S. ally. ■
