Barak to protest leaders: 'I favor increasing budget'

In a meeting with leaders of the social protest movement, defense minister, wary of cuts, argues that state budget should be increased.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Barak w protesters 311 (photo credit: Courtesy of Tent Protest Movement)
Barak w protesters 311
(photo credit: Courtesy of Tent Protest Movement)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak told social protest leaders Daphne Leef and Stav Sapir that he "favored increasing the state budget" in a meeting on Sunday.
The defense establishment has been vehemently advocating increasing the budget since the release of the Trajtenberg Committee recommendations, which proposed cutting NIS 3 billion from the defense budget.
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The recommendations, approved by the cabinet on October 9, have yet to be put to a vote in the Knesset.
According to a spokesman for the social protest movement, Barak and the protesters remained at odds over the role of corporate taxes and providing financial incentives toward contributions for social causes. 
Barak promised to review the protesters' proposals and continue meeting in the future.