Israel Approves $1.5B to Strengthen Military Against Iran: Reports

The Israel government has reportedly approved a budget of $1.5 billion to strengthen the military against Iranian attacks, local media reported Monday.

Some $900 million from this year's budget and $600 million from next year's budget will be spent on military procurement and intelligence gathering.

The development coincides with statements made by Israeli army chief, Aviv Kochavi, last month. Kochavi had stated that the army has greatly accelerated preparations for the possible attack on Iran’s nuclear program.

Tensions between the two countries flared over Iran’s advancements in the nuclear program after the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. According to the terms, the U.S. would lift all nuclear-related economic sanctions in exchange to Tehran’s reduction in its nuclear activities.