Netanyahu, Katz to make statement within the hour

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz will hold a press conference later this evening at 8:45 p.m. Israel time, the Prime Minister’s Office says.

Hebrew media reports say the announcement will address government stipends to all citizens to help weather the coronavirus crisis.

A NIS 6 billion plan ($1.75 billion) will see all Israelis receive a NIS 750 ($218) check from the government, with families eligible to receive up to NIS 3,000 ($875), reports say.

The Finance Ministry opposes the plan on the grounds that it does not differentiate between those in financial need and those who aren’t, the reports say.