politics

March 30, 2026

Largest in History: Israel Adopts Budget, Unprecedented Increases for Defense, Netanyahu's Term Extended

Israel had to adopt a budget before April 1st to avoid triggering early elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still retains the right to dissolve parliament and call early elections before that date if he wishes, AP writes.

Largest in History: Israel Adopts Budget, Unprecedented Increases for Defense, Netanyahu's Term Extended

TL;DR

  • Israel's Knesset passed its largest-ever state budget, totaling 850.6 billion shekels ($271 billion).
  • The budget significantly increases defense spending due to the war with Iran.
  • Billions of shekels are allocated to Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) educational institutions and social programs.
  • The budget passage averts immediate early elections, with regular elections now scheduled for October.
  • The opposition fiercely criticized the budget, calling it a 'theft' and 'anti-Zionist,' citing increased funding for ultra-Orthodox institutions while the country is at war and facing rising costs.
  • An amendment mistakenly approved by opposition lawmakers added approximately 800 million shekels ($255 million) to Haredi programs.
  • The budget includes 400 million shekels ($129.5 million) for the Ministry of Settlements and National Missions.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government aims to complete its full term.

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