Israel Announced USD 850 Million Package Aid for Small Businesses Under Stress After COVID-19

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz announced a 2-billion-shekel (US $580 million) aid package to help the businesses affected by the coronavirus.

The package includes grants for businesses whose revenues were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The aim of the plan is to allow an immediate flow of substantial sums of money to self-employed workers and the business sector to help them get through the crisis," according to a statement issued by the Israeli Finance Ministry.

On Sunday, the government said it was extending the eligibility for unemployment benefits for people on unpaid leave until mid-August.

Israel is facing a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases. On Sunday, the Health Ministry said that the number of active cases has risen to 6,363, the highest since May 2.