Budget

While IDF soldiers fight, Israel's government rewards draft dodgers - opinion

So, you pick up your rifle, and you fight. But then, somewhere between operations, you get an update on the news back home. In Jerusalem, you read, the government has passed the annual budget...

Ultra-Orthodox men block a road during a protest against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with the IDF draft, in Jerusalem, in February.
Israeli shekel

Bank of Israel keeps rate unchanged, cuts growth forecast

PROTESTERS GATHER outside the Knesset against the approved 2026 budget.

Protesters block Knesset entrance following approval of 2026 state budget

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu giving a press conference, March 19, 2026.

Netanyahu seeks to avoid snap vote as Iran war gives no boost in polls


Knesset votes to split Arrangements Bill amid haredi parties' threats over state budget

The two parties threatened to vote against the coalition amid disagreements over the controversial haredi draft bill being advanced in the Knesset.

MK's Moshe Gafni and Yitzchak Goldknopf seen during a vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 28, 2026.

US President Trump signs budget with $4 billion for Israel, ban on UNRWA funding

The measure includes provisions restricting US funding to several international institutions. It bars financial support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees,

US President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 5, 2025

Israel's budget deadline: What happens if Knesset cannot agree in time? - explainer

By law, failure to pass the budget by March 31 leads to an automatic collapse of the government and snap elections within about 90 days.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Knesset advances 2026 state budget in first reading amid coalition crisis over haredi draft

The Degel Hatorah faction within United Torah Judaism received a green light from spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando to vote in favor of the state budget, Lando's office said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen after the vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 28, 2026.

Netanyahu convenes emergency meeting as haredi parties threaten to block state budget vote

Both haredi parties have threatened to withhold support for the state budget unless agreements are reached on the draft law to avoid conscription.

 Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023.

Knesset to vote on first reading of 2026 state budget, amid haredi parties' threats

If the state budget is not approved in all three readings by the end of March, when the fiscal year closes, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, and elections will be called.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Government submits 2026 budget to Knesset, Smotrich vows passage despite rifts

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the government was "determined to pass it [the state budget] on first reading,” during a press conference at the Knesset on Monday.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

Gov’t faces one-week deadline to pass first reading of state budget amid haredi draft bill threats

A first reading of the budget must be approved for the state to approve it in March. 

THE KNESSET during a meeting on December 24, 2025.

Shas threatens to vote down 2026 state budget if haredi draft law not passed

Without the support of Shas lawmakers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government could lack the votes needed to pass the budget.

 Shas faction meeting in the Israeli parliament on December 8, 2025.

Defense Ministry director-general says Israel returned too quickly to pre-Oct. 7 budget approach

He accused the Finance Ministry of consistently underfunding the defense establishment, leading to debt within defense industries.

 Incoming IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram gives remarks at his inauguration ceremony, October 31, 2022.