Government in effort to fast-track compensation for damage caused by Gaza conflict
Officials are putting in place a plan to help with property and businesses affected by fresh violence
The government is opening up a process for applicants to request compensation for property damaged in the latest conflict with the Gaza Strip, as well as for businesses hurt by the fresh flare-up.
Claims for damages as a result of Operation Breaking Dawn can now be filed via the Tax Authority website.
Despite the hundreds of rockets fired by Palestinian Islamic jihad terrorists from Gaza since the outbreak of violence on Friday, there has been limited damage to buildings, in large part thanks to the Iron Dome defense system, which intercepts incoming rockets heading to populated areas.
Under legislation dating back to 1961, the State of Israel is committed to compensating its citizens for direct and indirect damages caused as a result of acts of hostility or war operations. The process can take some time, however, and may make only limited payouts.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman have said the government will try to handle claims as speedily as possible. The Knesset will need to approve a mechanism, but dissent is highly unlikely.
There have already been reports from business owners in the center and the south of the country of fewer customers and reduced income over the days since the operation began.
