Israel's Budget Approval: A Controversial Move Amid Ongoing Conflicts
Budget Passed Amidst Tensions
Tel Aviv: In a lengthy overnight session, Israel's parliament successfully approved its annual budget on Monday, allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration to continue until the fall.
To avoid triggering early elections, Israel needed to finalize the budget by April 1, although Netanyahu retains the option to call for elections sooner if he chooses.
The opposition criticized the budget for allocating more funds to ultra-Orthodox communities, especially during a time when the nation is grappling with rising costs due to its ongoing conflict with Iran and the aftermath of a two-year war in Gaza.
Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, condemned the budget as "the greatest theft in the state’s history."
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is likely to run against Netanyahu in future elections, described the budget as a "nocturnal heist" on social media.
Opposition members expressed outrage over a last-minute addition of USD 250 million for ultra-Orthodox schools, particularly as the community faces criticism for not allowing young men to serve in the military during a time of urgent need for soldiers. Military service is compulsory for most Jewish citizens.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended the budget, claiming it addresses the needs of all Israeli citizens without exception.
As Netanyahu's government approaches the end of its four-year term, elections must be held by the end of October. Although Israeli governments often do not complete their terms, the budget's passage suggests that Netanyahu, whose approval ratings have declined since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, may finish his term.
The budget was approved with a vote of 62-55. Discussions were interrupted three times by sirens indicating missile launches from Iran towards Jerusalem, prompting the session to be held in a more secure auditorium closer to a bomb shelter.
This USD 270 billion budget, the largest in Israel's history, includes a 20% increase for the Ministry of Defense due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, resulting in cuts to other government departments.
Recent polls show that while there is strong support for the war among Israelis, Netanyahu and his coalition do not seem to be gaining any political advantage.
Iran continues to launch missiles at Israel daily, creating anxiety among millions of voters. The conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon is also escalating, while disruptions in oil supply from the Persian Gulf are affecting the global economy.
Delaying elections until the fall could allow Netanyahu to capitalize on the war's momentum, provided that the immediate threat of missile attacks subsides. However, the elections would coincide closely with the anniversary of the October 7 attack, which was one of the deadliest events in Israel's history.
Israel's military has recently extended its wartime guidelines for civilians, which restrict large gatherings and advise people to remain near bomb shelters, for an additional week. This extension will overlap with the beginning of the Passover holiday, starting Wednesday.