IDF: Proposed budget cuts put multi annual budget at risk

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
The Finance Ministry will seek government approval for a proposal to cut NIS 2.5 billion from the 2009 defense budget, Israel Radio reported on Monday. According to the report, the ministry is also weighing a second option, according to which NIS 1.3 billion will be cut from the budget, while the remainder of the cash, NIS 1.2 billion, is invested in social welfare budgets. The IDF said the cuts would mean that its multi annual budget, approved just a month and a half ago by the government and cabinet, would be impossible to implement. The government will consider both proposals during its weekly meeting on Sunday, Israel Radio reported. The Finance Ministry said it would hold a press conference on Tuesday morning, adding that it could not discuss the issue further at this stage.