Knesset boosts military spending
The Israeli parliament approved the state budget for 2026, sharply increasing funds for defence as the country fights on multiple fronts.
Considering Operation “Roaring Lion,” the Knesset added over 30 billion shekels (approximately €8.3 billion) to the Ministry of Defence’s budget, raising it to more than 142 billion shekels. The plan passed with 62 votes in favour and 55 against.
Record military expenditure
Israel will spend roughly 850 billion shekels (€235 billion) on the military in 2026, reflecting the country’s focus on defence amid rising regional tensions.
Casualties in Gaza and southern Lebanon
Civil protection authorities in the Gaza Strip reported that Israeli strikes killed nine people on Sunday in the southern enclave, which has suffered over two years of conflict under a fragile ceasefire.
On Saturday night, Israeli strikes hit police checkpoints in Al Mawasi, Khan Yunis, killing eight people, according to Mohammed Al Mugayir, a spokesperson for Palestinian emergency services run by Hamas.
Since 10 October, at least 702 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to the local Ministry of Health. The UN considers these figures reliable.
In southern Lebanon, the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL/FNUL) said an unknown explosive killed one peacekeeper and critically injured another near Ansheet Al Qusair, amid clashes between the Israeli military and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Source: CNA
Also read: EU condemns Israel over religious freedom in Jerusalem
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