Israel suffered $3 billion damage in Iran airstrikes

Israel has estimated the cost of damages incurred during its 12-day war with Iran at $3 billion, with funds needed both to repair missile-hit buildings and pay compensation to local businesses. The calculations shared by the Israeli finance ministry and tax body this week indicate the extent to which Iran broke through Israel's defenses during nearly two weeks of rocket fire.

"This is the greatest challenge we've faced - there has never been this amount of damage in Israel's history," Shay Aharonovich, the director general of Israel's Tax Authority who's in charge of paying out compensation, told reporters. The sum doesn't include the cost to Israel of replacing weapons and defence systems used in the campaign, which is likely to push the total figure much higher when assessments are complete.


Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich told a press conference the total cost of war could be as high as $12 billion.