Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented at the cabinet meeting to approve the state budget, "What is ost important is the cost of living that is felt by every citizen in Israel, and the reforms we are presenting will allow for the simplification of regulation, the removal of barriers and the weakening of monopolies, and all of these will translate into easing the burden of the cost of living for the citizens of Israel. We are bringing a tight budget today. I didn't like saying no to many of you, but you have to act responsibly and professionally."
Regarding the interest rate increases, Smotrich said: "We are aware of the consequences, but this is the purpose of the interest rate."