Netanyahu's Budget Win: A Temporary Reprieve Amid Coalition Tensions

Israel's parliament passed the 2026 budget draft with a 62-55 vote, providing Prime Minister Netanyahu a brief political respite from potential snap elections. The budget faces contention and deeper coalition divisions, primarily over military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews, amid ongoing political discord.

The Israeli parliament granted initial approval to the 2026 budget draft, offering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a temporary political reprieve from early elections.

The budget, amounting to 662 billion shekels, was passed with a 62-55 vote, but still faces significant hurdles in gaining final approval due to growing polarization within Netanyahu's coalition.

Tabled amidst heated debates over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, the budget remains a contentious issue and risks fracturing the coalition further, especially under the looming deadline of March-end for parliamentary approval.