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Finance Minister Vows Cost Cuts Amid Budget Controversy

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Before the cabinet vote on the 2026 budget, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, pledged to lower living costs.
He promised to increase competition in the banking sector.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the budget as a burden on the middle class.
Lapid said he would redirect funds to working families if elected.
The cabinet meeting is expected to be lengthy, with a March 2026 deadline for approval.

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Story summary

Before the cabinet vote on the 2026 budget, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, pledged to lower living costs.
He promised to increase competition in the banking sector.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the budget as a burden on the middle class.
Lapid said he would redirect funds to working families if elected.
The cabinet meeting is expected to be lengthy, with a March 2026 deadline for approval.