A newly adopted two-year budget in Israel aims to steady Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and steer the cabinet as it follows a religious policy trajectory. The plan appears to be part of a broader strategy to anchor governance while balancing pressures from different parliamentary factions and interest groups. The draft budget is framed as a practical response to a volatile political moment, signaling a commitment to policy continuity as the government manages tensions between secular and religious currents and public reactions to these choices.
In the early hours of a recent session, it became evident that the draft budget had advanced through the second and third readings. After an extended revision phase, the measure drew wide support from most deputies, though not all. The final tally reflected a narrow margin, underscoring the careful negotiation that defined the process. Negotiators described late-night talks aimed at reconciling differences and ensuring the package reflected the coalition line. The proceedings were viewed by participants as orderly, highlighting the government’s intent to demonstrate legislative efficiency in a high-stakes environment.
Deliberations on the budget began amid the general assembly and stretched over several days, with discussions moving through a series of committee reviews and revenue scenarios. Lawmakers weighed projections of economic growth, social commitments, and security considerations, all within the framework of the administration’s broader strategic priorities. By the close of the final session, deputies completed their votes, and the outcome confirmed the budget as a key component of the government’s plan to navigate economic and political challenges while staying aligned with coalition goals.
Following the decision, the prime minister publicly praised the ruling coalition for achieving a significant milestone. He signaled an ongoing intention to pursue judicial reforms in a way that fits within the coalition’s framework, even amid widespread demonstrations that have surged in opposition nationwide. Critics warned about potential implications for judicial independence and civil rights, while observers noted that the budget’s approval arrives at a moment of heightened political sensitivity. The overall atmosphere called for careful messaging to preserve public trust and maintain coalition cohesion as the administration proceeds with its legal reform agenda and other policy priorities.