Israeli lawmakers have given initial approval to a significant increase in the 2024 budget to support reservists and displaced individuals due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The move, supported by ultra-Orthodox parties, highlights the complex political dynamics within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 budget will be increased by $906 million.
- The vote passed by a narrow margin of 58-52.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties had previously threatened to boycott parliamentary votes.
- The bill requires two more votes to become law.
- The funding aims to support reservists and displaced individuals.
Budget Increase Details
The Finance Ministry announced that the vote to add 3.4 billion shekels ($906 million) to the 2024 budget passed by a 58-52 margin. This increase is intended to fund reservists and assist people displaced by the war in Gaza. The bill still needs to pass two more votes to become law.
Political Dynamics
Ultra-Orthodox parties had threatened to boycott votes in parliament over a dispute regarding funding for their separate education system. These parties occupy 18 of the 120 seats in parliament and had demanded that their schools receive the same benefits as state-run schools, particularly the "New Horizon" program, which adds school hours and significantly boosts teacher pay.
A spokesman for Moshe Gafni, leader of one of the ultra-Orthodox parties, stated that the faction decided to vote for the budget this time. However, it remains unclear how they will vote in future sessions.
Government’s Stance
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the importance of the budget adjustments, stating that they are essential for the ongoing war effort. He criticized those who voted against the increase and called for national responsibility in supporting the evacuees and reservists.
"The budget adjustments will enable the conditions required for the continuous continuation of the war against those who seek our harm," Smotrich said. "It would be good if the members of the opposition would join in with national responsibility and vote in favor of continuing to fund the evacuees and reservists – this is a war for all of us together."
Impact on Civilians
Israel has called up reservists during the Gaza war, and tens of thousands of Israelis have been displaced from their homes in the north due to rocket fire from the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The additional funding aims to provide necessary support to these affected individuals.
The approval of this budget increase marks a critical moment in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas and highlights the internal political challenges faced by Netanyahu’s government.