Knesset Votes to Split Arrangements Bill Amid Budget Deadline Pressure

On a late Monday evening, the Knesset plenum voted 60-56 to split the Arrangements Bill from the 2026 state budget bill. This procedural maneuver aims to keep the budget on track as the deadline for its passage approaches. The decision comes amid tensions with the haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, which had threatened to oppose the coalition over disagreements regarding a controversial haredi draft bill. The state budget must be approved by the end of March in all three readings, or the Knesset will automatically dissolve, triggering early elections.

The Jerusalem Post

The coalition's decision to separate the Arrangements Bill was intended to facilitate the smoother passage of the budget by removing contentious reforms. However, this technical measure has exacerbated rifts with the haredi parties, who leveraged the vote to express their dissatisfaction with ongoing negotiations. Notably, the United Torah Judaism Party, composed of Agudat Yisrael and Degel Hatorah factions, exhibited internal division, with Agudat Yisrael voting against the coalition while Shas and Degel Hatorah supported the split.

The Jerusalem Post

The Arrangements Bill is presented annually alongside the state budget and includes various legislative amendments that the government seeks to enact. This year, it has drawn criticism for its extensive content, which some argue is unnecessary for the budget's passage. The bill includes a controversial structural reform of Israel's dairy sector, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which has faced scrutiny from the Knesset’s legal adviser, Attorney Sagit Afik. Afik recommended separating the dairy reform from the budget due to its complexity and the significant delay in its submission.

The Jerusalem Post

Critics of the haredi draft bill contend that its current outline does not adequately enforce conscription and primarily serves as a political tool to placate the haredi parties. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expressed an urgent need for increased manpower, particularly following over two years of conflict. The ongoing negotiations surrounding the draft bill have faced setbacks, further complicating the budgetary process.

The Jerusalem Post

Coalition whip Ofir Katz stated that despite the disagreements, the haredi parties would support the split of the Arrangements Bill, emphasizing that discussions would continue until a resolution is found. The Knesset's House Committee ultimately decided against separating the dairy reform from the Arrangements Bill, voting narrowly in favor of keeping it as part of the budget discussions.

The Jerusalem Post

There are discrepancies regarding the necessity of the reforms included in the Arrangements Bill. Critics argue that many of these reforms are not essential for passing the state budget, while supporters maintain that they are crucial for the government's legislative agenda. Additionally, the internal divisions within the United Torah Judaism Party raise questions about the stability of the coalition moving forward.

The Jerusalem Post

“Critics of the draft bill argue that the current outline fails to enforce haredi conscription and serves primarily as a political measure to appease the haredi parties.” — Critic of the Draft Bill

The Jerusalem Post