The supplement in the defense budget approved today was double the amount the Finance Ministry felt was needed to cover the cost of the Gaza campaign.
Despite opposition from the Ministry of Finance, the cabinet today approved an extra NIS 3.2 billion for the 2009 defense budget. Of this sum, NIS 2.45 billion will be passed onto the IDF to cover the replacement of equipment following Operation Cast Lead, while NIS 800 million will be kept in reserve for special events as set out in the Brodet Plan.
The 2009 defense budget has not yet been approved. The cabinet meeting did not report what would be the source of this supplementary budget. The defense establishment today said, "On the basis of this decision the defense establishment will work immediately to replace inventory and bring the IDF up to full fitness."
The supplement in the defense budget approved today was double the amount the Finance Ministry felt was needed to cover the cost of the Gaza campaign.
The defense establishment claimed that the fighting in Gaza cost NIS 3.8 billion.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 1, 2009
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