New Israeli defence budget 'another indication of breach between people and government'

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
March 30, 2026
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3 min read

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Israel's parliament passed a defense budget that critics say increases funding to ultra-Orthodox communities during wartime.

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Israel's parliament passed the annual budget on March 30 in an overnight session, allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to remain in office through the fall. The opposition criticized the budget for directing increased funding to ultra-Orthodox communities while the country grapples with mounting military expenses from its ongoing conflict with Iran. The timing is politically contentious: Netanyahu simultaneously announced plans to expand military operations in southern Lebanon, signaling continued security commitments alongside domestic spending that critics say misaligns priorities. The budget vote represents a critical political moment for Netanyahu's coalition, which has faced internal strain over resource allocation between defense spending and social programs. The opposition framed the funding decision as emblematic of a widening gap between the government's spending choices and public concern over war costs.

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