JERUSALEM, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli parliament on Wednesday approved a revised state budget for 2024 to fund the country's war against Hamas in Gaza. According to the Finance Ministry, the updated budget stands at about 584 billion shekels (about 161 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 70 billion shekels compared to the original budget approved in May last year. Defense spending alone will go up by 55 billion shekels. The fiscal plan envisages a deficit of 6.6 percent of the gross domestic product. The statement noted that the budgets of all government ministries were cut to support the balancing measures. The new budget also includes several measures to increase state revenues, such as taxing bank profits and reducing convalescence payments for employees, as agreed with the largest Israeli worker union Histadrut. (Editor:Fu Bo) |
PSG fails to win the French league after drawing with struggling Le HavreBenintendi hits 2nd home of game in 10th, White Sox beat Rays 8Chiefs owner: Leaving Arrowhead is an option after rejected sales taxInside oneMontreal’s AnnOlly Murs shares he's juggling nappies and late nights as he gives insight into fatherhood while onPSG fails to win the French league after drawing with struggling Le HavreVitality of traditional Chinese culture shines in museumMets put reliever Drew Smith on 15Israel receives Hamas's response to Gaza truce proposal: official