Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich acknowledged that the ongoing "war is the longest and most expensive war in Israel’s history", with direct costs amounting to approximately 250 billion shekels ($66.6 billion) so far.
He further emphasized that this figure is likely to increase, stating, "We will all feel the need to finance this war, and it will not be easy for us."
Meanwhile, Gad Lior, a journalist for Ynet News, offered a sharp critique of Smotrich's presentation of the economic situation during an interview with Ynet Studio on Tuesday. He argued that Smotrich's analysis lacked a solid grasp of economic principles and failed to acknowledge the prevailing realities affecting the Israeli economy.
Lior highlighted Smotrich's characterization of Moody's report as "weak and absurd," stating that "economists in London will not lecture us." He warned that such remarks could encourage credit rating agencies to continue downgrading "Israel's" rating and pointed out that Smotrich's information about the headquarters of Moody's and its management was incorrect.