Finance Ministry

Most of those absent due to the war were men (77%), this is because of their larger share among those drafted to IDF reserves, said the ministry.

Grants of NIS 7,180 per adult and 1,436 per child were recommended by the committee, for a total of over NIS 220 million.  

Head of Budget Department at Finance Ministry, Yogev Gardos, advocated for broad conscription in Israel, proposing benefits and savings, prompting debate and committee action.

While speaking at a private event, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that his goal was to prevent the West Bank from becoming part of a Palestinian state, describing changes as "mega-dramatic."

The budget is an opportunity for the government to show the public it is prioritizing the needs of the many.

Smotrich described the order as an act of “historical justice,” saying that the PA “encourages and favors terrorism by paying the families of terrorists, prisoners, and released prisoners."

Local municipalities can request an exception to the updated rate set by the Interior Ministry, meaning some could charge an even higher rate if they receive approval.

Englman said that the government is focused on investing in the short term, and even when it sets long-term goals, it does not meet them.

Smotrich blocked the purchase of more jet fighters from Lockheed-Martin and Boeing, citing concerns this was not the wisest way to improve defense capabilities.

If you neutralize the effect of delayed taxes due to Passover, the budget still eclipsed its ceiling and reached 6.7%.