Israeli Finance Minister Proposes Major Budget Cuts to Fund Gaza War

Bezalel Smotrich outlines 2025 budget with spending reductions and freezes to address war costs and economic challenges.

The 2025 budget includes a NIS 35 billion cut to balance war expenditures and economic stability.
Social security benefits and public sector wages will be frozen, impacting Israel's most vulnerable citizens.
Smotrich aims to reduce the budget deficit to 4% of GDP, down from 6.6% in 2024.
Despite economic strains, indicators show a strong shekel, high stock market performance, and low unemployment.
The budget proposal faces scrutiny as Israel's credit rating has been downgraded and economic growth remains slow.