Yedioth Ahronoth highlights the relentless rise in food prices and the diminishing purchasing power of Israelis. The cost of living has surged since the onset of the conflict, with interest rates on the decline but food prices continuing to climb.
The Governor of the Bank of Israel surprised everyone yesterday by announcing a reduction in interest rates to 4%. However, prices for groceries in chain stores are still on the rise. Since September 2023, the average cost of food in Israel has increased, with some product packaging downsized. It appears that inflation will persist, and next year, the purchasing power of Israelis is expected to decline further.Israel Hayom reports on the extensive entry of weapons into the occupied territories, claiming that the source of these arms is Iran. The smuggling of weapons from Jordan and Egypt has become a strategic threat, with no barriers to this illicit trade.
Weapons originating from Iran reach the Negev and from there are distributed to cities in Israel (occupied Palestine) and to the Palestinian Authority. The result is a bolstering of elements associated with Palestinian resistance. Although law enforcement has increased, the scale of this phenomenon remains massive, with 14,000 weapons entering Israel each month.Ma’ariv comments on the rhetoric from Netanyahu and Trump against Iran. Netanyahu warns Tehran: ‘If we are attacked, the consequences for Iran will be severe.’ Israel is closely monitoring unrest across Iran and military movements by the Revolutionary Guard.
The U.S. President has also issued a stark warning to Iran: ‘If protesters die, you will face severe repercussions.’ New details from a confidential conversation with the Prime Minister reveal that the Israeli military is preparing for combat on four fronts.Yediot Ahronot emphasizes the anxiety among Israelis regarding a potential preemptive strike from Iran. Following Iran’s ballistic missile tests Netanyahu has intensified his threats: ‘If we are attacked the consequences will be very serious; Iran will not be allowed to rebuild its ballistic missile or nuclear programs.’
