H EADLINES
ISRAELBRIEFS Israel’s Defi cit Declines
AS ISRAEL’S ECONOMY continues to recover, its
fi scal defi cit is declining, Globes reported.

Th e cumulative defi cit for the 12 months ending in
April was $483.5 million, or 11.2% of gross domestic
product. Th at compares to $515.4 million, or 12.4% of
GDP, for the 12 months through February.

Th e defi cit from January through April was $81.5
million, compared to $85.8 million in the same
period in 2020.

Total civilian spending this year, however, was
28.6% higher, largely because of the economic aid
plan; excluding that aid, the increase was only 4.2%.

Defense spending grew 4.8% compared to the corre-
sponding period in 2020.

Economic Cost of Three Days Fighting
Estimated at $163.4 Million
Th e economic damage caused by the fi rst three days
of fi ghting between Israel and Hamas was estimated
at about $163.4 million by the Israel Manufacturers
Association, Globes reported.

Th e estimate is tied to the damages to businesses
and factories from working in accordance with
Israel Defense Forces Home Command directives.

Th ose directives curtailed business activity in central
and southern Israel.

Th e estimate is tied to the cost of a day’s work,
assuming that about 35% of employees in southern
Israel were absent from work, as were 10% in the center.

Th e estimate doesn’t include damage from direct
hits on business premises, damage to profi tability and
indirect damage such as canceled deals.

“Israeli industry continues to produce under fi re
and with fewer workers turning up for work, and
the damage to economy is smaller than in previous
rounds,” association President Ron Tomer said. “Th e
state should quickly deal with payments to employees
who have been absent from work, and thereby give
peace of mind to workers and employers.”
Flights to Israel Rerouted, Canceled
Inbound fl ights to Ben-Gurion Airport were rerouted to
Ramon International Airport in southern Israel starting
on May 13 because of the ongoing fi ghting between
Israel and Hamas, Th e Jerusalem Post reported.

Departing fl ights still took off from Ben-Gurion.

El Al is running emergency fl ights out of the country.

Th e Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, which are Hamas’
military wing, told international airlines that it planned
to target Israeli airports, calling it a “legal disclaimer.”
United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines,
Now they can just lock and leave,
with no worries about maintenance
or security – and return to a welcoming
community with a clubhouse, pool,
fitness center and concerts.

turn the
key and
Blending good living with the wisdom
of owning what’s next, that’s life
planning. That’s a Life Plan Community.

Ready for a little freedom?
GO JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
Facebook Faces Possible $1.8M Fine
Israel’s Competition Authority is considering fi nes
of $1.8 million on Facebook and its Israeli arm for
buying two Israeli companies without its consent, Th e
Times of Israel reported.

Th e two companies Facebook bought were RedKix,
Inc. in 2018 and Service Friend, Ltd. In 2019.

Th e authority said in a statement that Facebook
was obligated to report the transaction to it because
the social media giant is a “monopolist” force since
its market share exceeds 50%. Israel’s Economic
Competition Law requires entities with 50% or more
of a market to get the director general’s consent.

Facebook said it is cooperating with the inquiry
and said it had done nothing wrong.

“Th ere was no reporting obligation in relation to
these transactions and we believe that the Authority
will reach the right conclusion,” a Facebook spokes-
person said in a text. ●
— Compiled by Andy Gotlieb
They chose beautiful cottage homes
within a premier 33-acre Life Plan
Community. And just like that,
Rydal Waters re-shaped their lives.

LIFE PLAN:
Everything except compromise.

British Airways, Luft ansa, Iberia and Virgin Atlantic
all canceled fl ights to Tel Aviv.

Th e smaller Ramon airport is designed to be
a stopgap when wartime threats force closures at
Ben-Gurion. Schedule a tour today and ask about
our special promotional offerings.

Call 215-618-9814
or visit RydalWaters.org
Marilyn and Siri enjoying
a little freedom.

JEWISH EXPONENT
COTTAGES START AT
1750 SQ FT
MAY 20, 2021
11