The Knesset has narrowly advanced the 2025 Budget Bill in its first reading with a slim margin of 59-57. Members of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, voted against the measure.
This development follows the approval of the state budget framework bill, which passed by a vote of 58-53. Like the budget bill, this too faced opposition from Otzma Yehudit, with Ben Gvir choosing to abstain from voting.
In response to the votes, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich strongly criticized Ben Gvir, accusing him of siding with opposition members and Arab MKs. He stated that Ben Gvir’s actions were “endangering the right-wing government in the middle of a war.”
“Ben Gvir and his friends, who seem to have completely lost their way, voted against transferring a critical budget for victory, reconstruction, and reservists, thereby jeopardizing a historic opportunity for the future of settlement in Judea and Samaria and the State of Israel with the incoming Trump administration,” Smotrich tweeted.
“We will continue to work for the people of Israel and for victory in the war, with or without Ben Gvir.”
The proposed budget for 2025 includes total government spending of NIS 755.9 billion ($210 billion). This figure comprises a regular budget allocation of NIS 547.36 billion ($152 billion) and a capital account budget of NIS 208.53 billion ($58 billion).
{Matzav.com}