The prime minister is doling out gifts as the election approaches. Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to compensate everyone affected by this week's storm, against the stance of the Ministry of Finance, where, although it has still not decided on the matter, sources expressed opposition to compensation earlier today.
Netanyahu announced today that he had put together an aid package for local authorities that had suffered damage in the storm, in order to rehabilitate infrastructures such as roads, sidewalks, parks, and so on. Similarly, Prime Minister's Office director Harel Locker announced an aid package for any individual who had been affected by the storm, and asked heads of local authorities to provide information on citizens who had suffered damage.
Locker said the government would provide a response for people harmed by the storm, just as it had done for those affected by Operation Pillar of Cloud, and that NIS 1 billion would immediately be transferred to local authorities. The criteria for aid to individuals will be drawn up next week.
Earlier today, Ministry of Finance sources said that claims for damage to houses and vehicles of private individuals would have to be met by the insurance companies.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 10, 2013
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