Finance Minister Smotrich blames swell on coalition agreements, inflation and public salary increases; on economic risksof judicial overhaul, says: 'I don't see a catastrophe'

Religious Zionism leader leveraged position during budget negotiations, telling security officials, 'Remember that I am the finance minister and I also want something,' report says

Even though judicial changes have not yet been completed, investments and credit rating could be harmed, writes Shira Greenberg in report accompanying draft of state budget

Primary and secondary school teachers and education professionals to join local authorities' general strike amid ongoing wage, budget negotiations with Finance Ministry

Tourism Industry Coordinating Office sends letter warning that ending waiver would be 'damaging and irreversible' to industry, economy and Israel's international image

Environment Ministry and non-profit Adam Teva V'Din push back against Finance Ministry's attempt to rush through reforms they say will harm environment, climate, public health

Secondary School Teachers' Association has been demanding salaries of at least NIS 12,000 per month; Education Ministry says middle schools to operate as normal

Palestinians say unusually high sum a result of Smotrich decision to double deductions over payments to security prisoners, as PA's finances further deteriorate

PM claims political rivals seeking to spook investors due to 'bitterness' over election loss; Lapid: Netanyahu's own 'bitterness' over corruption trial is destroying democracy

Former senior officials, many of whom worked under Netanyahu for years, say reforms could cause 'long-term' damage to economy