Israel’s Cabinet Approves $2.5 Million for Country’s South

Israel's Cabinet approved a plan to assist residents of the country's south following the recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The Cabinet on Sunday approved some $2.5 million to support the most vulnerable populations of the area, including the elderly and immigrants. This aid comes on top of existing social services budgets for the region, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

A committee to study the needs of Israel's south was appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately after Operation Pillar of Defense.

"In the south, it is quiet – but we have loose ends to deal with on the home front, with additional grants that we will give to people and communities," Netanyahu said at the weekly Cabinet meeting. "By all accounts, the home front was dealt with very successfully in the last operation."