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Netanyahu Unveils Billions for War Amid Rising Opposition

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a wartime budget exceeding tens of billions of shekels to support military operations against Iran.
The budget includes significant defense spending while delaying controversial legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
Opposition leaders criticize the government's chaotic planning and budget cuts affecting essential services.
Activists have protested against the war, accusing Netanyahu of pursuing geopolitical interests.

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Story summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a wartime budget exceeding tens of billions of shekels to support military operations against Iran.
The budget includes significant defense spending while delaying controversial legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
Opposition leaders criticize the government's chaotic planning and budget cuts affecting essential services.
Activists have protested against the war, accusing Netanyahu of pursuing geopolitical interests.