The Prime Minister’s Office, Finance Ministry, and Interior Ministry have announced government approval of NIS 100 million ($31.6 million) in immediate aid to regional councils to cover emergency expenditures related to the war with Iran. The funds aim to ensure that local authorities can maintain essential services and operational continuity for residents during the ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the development of a dedicated financial compensation plan, with criteria to be determined by the Finance and Interior Ministries.
The plan provides a basic grant for all regional authorities, along with additional allocations for councils more severely affected, based on the extent of their activity and actual damage. The government indicated that further funds would be made available as the campaign continues to support impacted councils.
Earlier concerns arose when representatives of local councils in the northern and Gaza border regions protested a government-wide three percent spending cut, arguing it would harm rehabilitation and development programs intended for these confrontation areas. Lawmakers noted that the cut would total around NIS 150 million ($47.5 million), exceeding the emergency aid announced.
Several northern mayors criticized Netanyahu after a recent meeting in which they requested enhanced physical protection for towns and tax benefits for residents. Some local leaders expressed distrust, with Metula Regional Council chief David Azoulay stating he no longer believes in the government’s declarations, highlighting ongoing tensions between local authorities and national leadership regarding wartime funding and protections.
