PM Benjamin Netanyahu got a lukewarm reception on Thursday to a plan to grant money to all Israelis to kickstart the economy. He announced the 6 billion shekel ($1.75 billion) package on Wednesday, amid public anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The payments of 750 shekels for individuals and up to 3,000 shekels to families, Netanyahu said, would boost consumer spending and employment. The plan requires cabinet approval.

Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi of the centrist Blue and White party that has partnered with Netanyahu’s Likud in the government, said the money should instead be targeted at the poorest citizens, Reuters reports.

Yaron had supported a previous 100 billion shekel ($29 billion) stimulus package and a second one announced last week. Unemployment soared to 27 percent after a partial lockdown in March but is now running at 21 percent.

Source: RT