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Israel's Knesset Passes Controversial 'War Budget' Amid Protests

3/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a heated session, Israel's Knesset passed the 2025 state budget with a narrow 66-52 vote, igniting protests against the government. The budget, branded a "budget of war" by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, earmarks 110 billion shekels for defense, while imposing steep tax hikes and spending cuts that opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned as a betrayal of the public.

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Story summary

In a heated session, Israel's Knesset passed the 2025 state budget with a narrow 66-52 vote, igniting protests against the government. The budget, branded a "budget of war" by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, earmarks 110 billion shekels for defense, while imposing steep tax hikes and spending cuts that opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned as a betrayal of the public.