News Summary

• The government is expected to approve a plan by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to compensate business owners harmed by protection rackets.
• The plan is intended to create an economic safety net for business owners who refuse to pay protection fees demanded by criminal organizations.
• Separately, the government is also expected to vote today on a proposal authorizing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to lead a six-month national emergency operation.
• The operation will involve cooperation between government ministries, law enforcement agencies, and additional state bodies.