Israeli Lawmakers Pass Largest Budget Amid Political Tensions

Israel's parliament approved a historic NIS 755 billion budget after intense deliberations, marking the largest in its history. Amid political contention, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich labeled it a 'war budget.' The defense sector remains the largest expense. Opposition criticizes it as detrimental to the middle class.

In a landmark decision, the Israeli parliament has approved a state budget amounting to NIS 755 billion, the largest in the nation's history. The approval came after a heated session in which lawmakers engaged in numerous votes and debates, ultimately passing the budget by a margin of 66-52.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented the budget as essential for economic growth and national security, referring to it as both a 'war budget' and a 'victory budget.' The budget needed to be passed by the March 31 deadline to avoid triggering national elections.

Despite tensions with coalition partners over military drafting issues, the United Torah Judaism party agreed to support the budget. The defense budget is the largest allocation at NIS 109.8 billion, with notable funds also directed to education and health. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the budget as a historic misuse of public funds.

(With inputs from agencies.)