From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Netanyahu unveils plan to increase defense spending
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GooglePrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents the cabinet with his “2030 security outlook,” which outlines the expected threats, military manpower needs and principles for using force over the next decade.
The full classified version of the document will soon be shared with the Knesset Subcommittee for the Intelligence Services, the Prime Minister’s Office says, as well as the IDF General Staff, Shin Bet and Mossad.
The unclassified version of the plan addresses security outlays and calls for an increase in defense spending of 0.2 to 0.3 percent of gross national product.
“Because of our small territory, concentrated population and multitude of threats around us, Israel’s security needs will always be much greater than those of a similar size,” Netanyahu says in a statement.
Praising Israel’s economy, Netanyahu says increased defense spending is needed to ensure further economic growth.
“The combination of our security and economic strengths will increase Israel’s credibility in the eyes of other countries and with this also increase our diplomatic strength,” he says.
Netanyahu calls for the additional security outlays to go towards improving Israel’s attack and cyber capabilities, missile defense and protection of the home front, as well as for the completion of security fences along the country’s borders.
The Times of Israel Community.