New Israeli taxes are steps towards a war budget

DEBKAfile Exclusive Analysis

26 July. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz are rightly using a necessary austerity package as a lever for getting the country on track for a war economy, without saying so.

They avoid discussing the consequences and duration of the new measures because they can’t tell how long a war, which they believe may be close, will last or how it will end. DEBKAfile estimates that they are quietly building a $25-30 strategic financial reserve for the worst-case scenario.

Netanyahu said recent regional regime changes mean that Israel has to spend more on defense to maintain its balance of strength and face the challenges of a nuclear Iran, missile threats, cyber warfare and a colossal influx of weaponry to the region “which are in certain hands today and may be in others tomorrow.” 

How much would it cost to send troops into Syria to seize control of Syria’s unconventional war stocks and prevent their use against Israel?

Barak said Israel might have to make "tough and crucial decisions" about its security and future. "I am well aware of the difficulties involved in thwarting Iran's attempts to acquire a nuclear weapon. However, it is clear to me that without a doubt, dealing with the threat itself will be far more complicated, far more dangerous and far more costly in resources and human life than thwarting it "

This was a broad hint at Israel’s sense that it has no choice but to attack Iran’s nuclear program.