Hebrew media: Netanyahu's government intends to close 5 ministries to provide funds for the war

Israeli Channel 7 said on Thursday that there is a plan by the Ministry of Finance to reduce the budget, which will be revealed soon, including a proposal to close five government ministries that are not very important.

The channel reported that the idea proposed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggests that each party in the coalition choose one ministry under its auspices to be closed, recalling that in recent years, political officials have proposed closing ten ministries.

It added that the proposal aims not only to provide the necessary funds for the war efforts, but also to reduce public criticism of the elected government in Israel, especially since the proposed changes to the budget, which were revealed last week, did not include closing ministries or reducing coalition funds.

The proposal is also expected to calm the Histadrut, the Israel Labor Federation, after a list of steps was announced that would harm the salaries of some public sector workers.

Earlier this month, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented a budget proposal for 2025, which includes NIS 160 billion for war, NIS 44 billion for civilian needs, and NIS 20 billion for reconstruction and rehabilitation. To finance the budget, Smotrich announced a list of steps, including cuts to government ministries, a freeze on National Insurance Institute salaries, and an income tax increase.