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Knesset Passes Budget Boosting Defense and Education Amid Controversy

3/30/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On March 30, 2026, the Knesset passed a budget increasing defense spending and allocating NIS 800 million ($255 million) to ultra-Orthodox education by a 107-4 vote.
Opposition figures, including Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, accused the coalition of misusing funds for draft dodgers and non-compliant schools.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara halted the fund transfer after the vote, saying it bypassed a High Court ruling, heightening tensions.

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Story summary

On March 30, 2026, the Knesset passed a budget increasing defense spending and allocating NIS 800 million ($255 million) to ultra-Orthodox education by a 107-4 vote.
Opposition figures, including Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, accused the coalition of misusing funds for draft dodgers and non-compliant schools.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara halted the fund transfer after the vote, saying it bypassed a High Court ruling, heightening tensions.