Cabinet: Extra NIS 500m need to reinforce Gaza-area homes not available
Barak: Extra money needed to protect against rockets; Treasury argues additional funds not available.
By Barak Ravid and Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Ehud Barak Gaza Israel newsThe security cabinet on Wednesday rejected a request by the Defense Ministry for an extra NIS 500 million to reinforce Israeli communities within the range of Gaza rocket fire.
The treasury has argued that additional funds are not available for reinforcing homes. However, Defense Minister Ehud Barak says the extra money is needed to provide protection against rockets for an additional 4,700 housing units.
Since the ceasefire began in June about 400 miguniot, concrete structures that provide protection against rocket fire, have been placed at schools and school bus stops in border communities.
The Defense Ministry has been preparing to manufacture an additional 80 shelters which are to be installed at factories and in agricultural areas, and it will also act to reinforce farm tractors.
On Sunday, during a discussion on the issue of reinforcing the homes, Barak said the cabinet must consider discussing in its next session the use of counter fire in response to the Qassam rockets being launched at the Negev from the Gaza Strip.
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