From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Defense needs won’t be sidelined, Kahlon vows
The defense budget won’t be marginalized in the 2015-16 budget, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon promises in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
“Defense is precious, as is the army,” Kahlon says. “We will offer help and support so that no one has the impression that defense is sidelined. We must balance between the needs of society and defense, and I believe that together with the prime minister, the defense minister, the cabinet ministers and Treasury officials we will find a solution.”
The Defense Ministry is asking for some NIS 60 billion in annual budget for 2015 and 2016, while Treasury officials are fighting to keep the defense budget closer to NIS 53 billion, insisting that the army and Defense Ministry carry out dramatic steps to increase efficiency, especially through cutting manpower and benefits for officers.
The Times of Israel Community.