The IDF has submitted a proposal that would charge citizens NIS 200 every 20 years for use of their state-issued gas masks. The money would be used to resolve a funding dispute between the defense and finance ministries that has postponed the redistribution of the masks following their collection for repairs.
IDF officials argue that charging civilians ten shekels a year for mask ownership would allow the masks to be distributed in the near future, instead of several months from now. The proposed fee will be subject to the cabinet's approval.