Budget

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.
THE KNESSET during a meeting on December 24, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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


Almost half of Israelis do not think you can remove Hamas and release hostages - poll

Israel Democracy Institute found that 68% of respondents would prioritize returning the hostages, compared to 25% who would prioritize toppling Hamas.

A Palestinian Hamas terrorist speaks with a Stephanie Eller before the release of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 15, 2025.

Where priorities lie: Israel's largest-ever budget clogged by political patronage

The Jerusalem Dispatch Podcast with Elliot Jager and Calev Ben-David.

 Elliot Jager and Calev Ben-David on The Jerusalem Dispatch Podcast.

Knesset passes law defining rehabilitation responsibility in Israel's south, releases budgets

With the passing of the law, NIS five billion from the directorate's NIS 19 billion budget will be released for economic, social and infastructure development.

 The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Be'eri, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, October 14, 2023.

Israel's economic resilience comes despite gov't policy, expert tells TML

Despite government claims of resilience, economists warn the new budget depends inequality, neglects infrastructure, and bets on short-term political survival over long-term economic stability.

Bezalel Smotrich is seen pointing down in an illustrative featuring credit agency Moody's.

Smotrich passed the state budget, and all it cost was his party - poll

The Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, fell below the electoral threshold with just 2.6% support.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem, March 25, 2025

Bank of Israel chief critical of 2025 wartime budget

Bank of Israel governor criticized the country's 2025 budget, cautioning that it would not bring down debt levels enough to offset a spike in spending caused by the war.

Governor of the Bank of Israel Amir Yaron speaks during a press conference at the Bank of Israel offices in Jerusalem, on January 2, 2022.

Israel's 2025 budget boosts public diplomacy, transportation with major investments

The 2025 Israeli budget allocates 545 million NIS for public diplomacy, with additional funds for defense and public transportation, aiming to support reservists and reduce social disparities.

 Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar at the EU-Israel Association Council in Brussels, Belgium. February 24, 2025.

Protesters block Jerusalem roads as Knesset passes 2025 budget, nine arrested

Protesters blocked multiple entrances to the Knesset while a vote was held on the 2025 budget, as police attempted to disperse them.

 Police outside the Knesset in Jerusalem forcefully trying to remove the protestors, March 25, 2025.

Israeli government approves 2025 budget in Knesset, passing major hurdle

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: budget for war and reservists • Yair Lapid: Middle class is tired of being exploited

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem, March 25, 2025

Can Israel’s economy withstand a second round of war, judicial reform, and soaring debt? - analysis

Israel's workforce is spread thin from war, extensive support to citizens, and high cost of living. Will the Israeli economy survive?

An electronic board displaying market data is seen at the entrance of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, in Tel Aviv, Israel