Finance Minister Silvan Shalom is working with Prime Minister Sharon to design a program of cutbacks and taxes to pay for the current war. Earlier this week, Sharon ordered the immediate freeing-up of two billion shekels for the IDF. The cutbacks will affect unemployment payments and will include the cancellation of two hotly-contested bills: the Negev Law, providing benefits for residents of that area, and the Blessed Families Law, providing benefits to large families. Luxury items such as yachts, private planes, and luxury apartments may be taxed, and Value Added Tax on all items may be increased from 17% to 18%.