RCRC Establishes Center for Riyadh Special Economic Zones to Boost Business Competitiveness

RCRC Establishes Center for Riyadh Special Economic Zones to Boost Business Competitiveness

Israel's war in the Gaza Strip will cost as much as 200 billion shekels ($51 billion), the Calcalist financial newspaper reported on Sunday, citing preliminary Finance Ministry figures.

The daily said the estimate, equal to 10% of gross domestic product, was premised on the war lasting between eight to 12 months; on it being limited to Gaza, without full participation by Lebanon's Hezbollah, Iran, or Yemen; and on some 350,000 Israelis drafted as military reservists returning to work soon.

Calcalist said half of the cost would be in defense expenses that amount to some 1 billion shekels a day. Another 40-60 billion shekels would come from a loss of revenue, 17-20 billion for compensation for businesses, and 10-20 billion shekels for rehabilitation.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has previously said Israel's government was preparing an economic aid package for those impacted by Palestinian attacks that will be "bigger and broader" than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the state was committed to helping everyone affected.

"My directive is clear: Open the taps and channel funds to whoever needs them," he said without giving figures. "Just like we did during COVID. In the past decade, we have built here a very strong