Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has joined in the assault against Finance Minister Yair Lapid. The daily Yediot Achronot reports that Ya’alon stated in closed meetings that Lapid “Had an agenda to harm the defense budget”. Ya’alon pointed out that Lapid has poured millions into the Ministries of Education, Welfare and Health, all ministries headed by cabinet ministers from his Yesh Atid party.

Ya’alon warns that Lapid wants to close the production of the Merkava tanks, which the defense minister points out will result in the loss of thousands of jobs, jobs that are held primarily by residents of outlying areas.

Ya’alon adds senior treasury officials have agreed that 7 billion shekels must be added to the defense budget as a result of Operation Protective Edge but Lapid decided 4 billion shekels is sufficient.

Both Ya’alon and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warn that with the threats facing Israel today, the defense budget cannot be slashed as Lapid is done and additional funding is absolutely necessary to permit Israel to stand ready and meet these threats.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)