Operation Protective Edge has so far lasted 13 days, and each day that passes raises its cost. The Ministry of Defense has reported to the Ministry of Finance direct costs of some NIS 1 billion for the fighting. This does not include the cost of damage caused by rocket fire and damage to economic activity. Meanwhile, the relevant government ministries have begun to discuss the defense budget for 2015 and the additional sums that will be demanded. According to a Ministry of Finance source, the talks are about very large supplements for defense. The source refused to give numbers, but estimates mention an additional NIS 6 billion at least at this stage. RELATED ARTICLES June trade figures show slowdown deepening Operation Protective Edge to cost NIS 8.5b The numbers will rise as the operation in the Gaza Strip goes on. Last week, "Globes" reported that if a ground offensive were to take place (it started in fact last Thursday), then the operation could cost NIS 8.5 billion. Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 20, 2014 © Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013
