JERUSALEM, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israel's defense spending grew by an exceptional 6.6 percent between January and July, against a previous forecast decrease of 0.5 percent, according to data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Finance.

The unexpected increase in defense spending arises from the escalation in the Gaza border area and the spillover of the war in Syria.

Meanwhile, the total Israeli government expenditure increased 7.1 percent during the same period, compared to the 4-percent expectation, risking a deficit beyond what is permitted by Israeli law.

The expenditure of civilian ministries in the first seven months grew 7.3 percent, as opposed to the supposed 5.3-percent rise.