Yair Lapid
Yair LapidFlash 90

In an interview with Channel Ten Monday night, Finance Minister Yair Lapid said that it was unlikely that the costs of Operation Protective Edge would have much of an effect on the state budget – unless the operation continued for much longer.

“We don't count the bills during wartime, but it does not appear that this operation will have a long-term effect on the economy. We have arranged for money to pay for the operation from within the current budget,” Lapid said.

With that, he added, a longer campaign could have a more negative influence on the economy – and on taxes. “If we do have a long war that will change everything, despite the fact that there is no reason to raise taxes at this time.

“However, the Finance Ministry has not yet seen the final bill for the war,” Lapid added, leaving the door open for possible future budget cuts or tax increases.