Smotrich Unveils NIS 1.6B Plan for High-Tech and Exporters

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and senior Finance Ministry officials presented an immediate NIS 1.6 billion plan Tuesday to support exporters, startups and growth companies hit by the shekel's sharp appreciation. The plan, formulated with the Israel Innovation Authority after industry roundtables, allocates about NIS 1 billion for fast grants matched by private funding, plus NIS 175 million for advanced industrial equipment, NIS 25 million for export support, NIS 10 million for worker training and an estimated NIS 360 million accelerated-depreciation benefit. JPost, Walla, Ice and Sponser report the same framework and figures. Israel is using fiscal tools to keep its innovation engine, export base and skilled jobs anchored at home.