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Israel's Finance Minister Proposes Unpaid Leave Amid War

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Finance Minister, announced a plan to grant unpaid leave for one parent in families with children under 14.
As schools remain closed during the war with Iran, Smotrich said the plan would let employers receive state funding.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the plan, questioning how parents would manage expenses.
The Finance Ministry is developing a compensation plan for war-affected businesses, with details forthcoming.

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Story summary

Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Finance Minister, announced a plan to grant unpaid leave for one parent in families with children under 14.
As schools remain closed during the war with Iran, Smotrich said the plan would let employers receive state funding.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the plan, questioning how parents would manage expenses.
The Finance Ministry is developing a compensation plan for war-affected businesses, with details forthcoming.