Netanyahu announces $4.5 billion to strengthen war-battered north, vows solution to Hezbollah drones

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the government has approved an extra NIS 13 billion ($4.5 billion) to strengthen the war-battered north, following a special meeting on the subject.

Hailing the “dramatic decisions,” Netanyahu says the money will go toward developing the area within 9 kilometers from the Lebanon border, including reinforcing structures amid frequent attacks by Hezbollah, though he stresses that adding bomb shelters cannot be the only step.

Addressing the persistent threat of Hezbollah explosive drones, Netanyahu says Israel will find a solution and that “the best minds in Israel and abroad” are committed to the “national project” of finding one.

“We will solve this problem. We will restore security and prosperity to the north,” he says.