Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made a statement to the media this afternoon (Monday) regarding the war.
"We have been saying over and over in the last two weeks that we have one mandate and that is victory," Smotrich began. "What is a victory? When no child in Tel Aviv, in Haifa, or in the surrounding area of Israel will have a question mark as to whether we won or if there was a meaningful new defeat of this evil."
"We have a determined and strong army, we have soldiers in assembly areas who understand their historical role and lead the fighting spirit of the people and pull the state of Israel forward with great spirit.
"Since our second line of defense is the civilian population and I feel that the necessary information is not reaching the citizens, I will briefly list the immediate steps taken at the Ministry of Finance because it is important that the public knows. It is important in practice so that everyone gets what they deserve and it is important for national resilience knowing that the authorities have full financial backing to run the government offices and serve the citizens of the country."
He also said: "Let it be clear. The wallet is open to any need. Regarding the budgetary sources - all our priorities are changing in favor of the war."
"The plan was put in place quickly and it is very comprehensive, it is double the budget for the coronavirus crisis. I very much respect those who disagree with me and listen to the voices. If there are small parties that try to make a political spin, I put them aside. Anyone who wants the best interest of the matter, we are in dialogue to reach understandings and we will make changes."
"Just today the government approved my proposal to transfer 59 million shekels to Ashkelon, Ofakim, and other authorities that assist the State of Israel in the war effort and take in civilians living in combat zones. Also, the government today approved the decision of the social and economic cabinet to transfer a total of one billion shekels in two stages to the establishment of the revival administration that will operate as quickly as possible for the establishment and rehabilitation of the kibbutzim and towns affected by the war."
"The families of the abducted and missing persons will be recognized as families of victims of hostilities. We have arranged for immediate financial grants that are usually transferred within 24 hours of 1,000 NIS to each resident near the Gaza Strip and up to 5,000 NIS per family. We have transferred 30 million NIS of initial aid to localities in the region. In the area of taxes, we announced the cancellation of fines for not submitting reports for the month of September to the residents of the surrounding area. Every resident of the Gaza Strip region and Ashkelon will receive a full refund for direct and indirect damage. But we don't want the processes to be delayed, that's why we're making an advance payment to the families whose homes were damaged in the settlements of the Gaza Strip region, Ashkelon, and the northern towns that have been evacuated - we opened the possibility to submit a request for an advance, even before a lawsuit is filed. The compensation advance can reach up to half a million NIS."
"We have established a dedicated hotline at the Tax Authority that helps the reservists, which includes an online channel and a team that handles them, sometimes even proactively. We announced the cancellation of fines for not submitting the September report and the extension of the submission of the reports for reservists and compensation for employers and self-employed for reserve days, compensation that will be transferred immediately and not at the end of the campaign."
"Onward, to business owners, independents, and traders. Last Thursday I announced an initial economic plan for the economy during the war. The plan includes a business continuity grant which for the first time will help businesses all over the country get back on their feet and continue to drive the Israeli economy. This plan is bigger and broader than the coronavirus plan, and this is just the beginning."
"We extended the validity of the freeze on collection and enforcement procedures in all tax systems. I ordered the facilitation of submitting reports and the extension of the deadline for submitting annual reports and capital statements. We established a property tax compensation center with an order for accelerated treatment of direct damages. I ordered the postponement of social security and VAT payments, the extension of licenses, and deferment of fees."
He further clarified: "Of course, throughout the country, everyone will receive full reimbursement for direct damage. In addition, we established a state-guaranteed loan fund with necessary concessions for existing businesses. We recognized Ashkelon as a border city like the cities located up to seven kilometers from the border regarding war damage compensation."
"I ordered the extension of licenses and the postponement of fees and the freezing of collection procedures for all citizens of Israel. I signed an exemption from customs duties on the import of milk for an additional three months. Students will continue to receive a discount when traveling on public transportation based on a statement and without the need to issue a new student ID. Residents of Israel who are US citizens will receive a postponement in the submission of the annual report to the US tax authorities".
"Donations that help the war effort on the front and in the rear were exempted from customs payments. The Tax Authority brought up the payment of the labor grant by about two months: 230,000 eligible people will receive the money this coming Thursday. And more. All of this is only actions taken by the Ministry of Finance. Each and every office is run with great intensity and works for the citizens of Israel. Everyone has a role and everyone should do their role to the best of their ability."
He later said: "The opposition is allowed to criticize, the media is allowed to as well. It is allowed and even desirable that each and every one of us demand the maximum for the citizens of Israel and the good of the State of Israel. But you know, now that we see hundreds upon hundreds of haredim seeking to enlist in the IDF and we see the unity of all shades of Israeli society on the front and in the rear, when I know the goals of the war as presented in the cabinet, I have no doubt and you will have no doubt that together, the people of Israel are alive and the people of Israel will win."