Story perspectives

Knesset Approves $271 Billion Budget, Averts Early Elections

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Knesset approved Israel's 2026 budget on March 30, 2026, avoiding early elections amid conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah.
The budget totals about NIS 850.6 billion ($271 billion), with NIS 143 billion ($45.8 billion) for defense.
Ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism are to back the budget if the draft exemption bill is reintroduced.
Critics, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, condemn the budget as reckless and anti-Zionist, citing inflation concerns.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Knesset approved Israel's 2026 budget on March 30, 2026, avoiding early elections amid conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah.
The budget totals about NIS 850.6 billion ($271 billion), with NIS 143 billion ($45.8 billion) for defense.
Ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism are to back the budget if the draft exemption bill is reintroduced.
Critics, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, condemn the budget as reckless and anti-Zionist, citing inflation concerns.