Budget

Netanyahu's coalition moves to fast-track controversial laws ahead of upcoming Knesset dissolution

The tensions come after the crisis in Netanyahu’s coalition with the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties over the controversial conscription law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attend a discussion at the plenum in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, July 23, 2025.
New Israeli Shekel banknotes are seen in this picture illustration.

Israel’s 'bloated, unstable' gov't harms public service, wastes millions each year, report finds

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar holds up a copy of The New York Times as he speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters on in New York City on August 5, 2025.

Israel just quadrupled its PR budget to $730M, experts claim it won’t work

Ultra-Orthodox men block a road during a protest against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with the IDF draft, in Jerusalem, in February.

While IDF soldiers fight, Israel's government rewards draft dodgers - opinion


Government convenes for marathon 2025 budget debate

Smotrich said that "after victory," Israel's economy will see "fantastic returns" for years. He did not detail what "victory" entailed or when it would be achieved.

 Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich speaks with Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Ofir Akunis during a vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, March 13, 2024.

Govt economic plan includes slashing benefits for olim worth over NIS 500,000

A 10% increase in benefits for olim will be worth less.

 Olim on the 64th Nefesh B’Nefesh charter flight pose with organization’s Co-founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Tony Gelbart; Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer; and Director-General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Avichai Kahana.

Smotrich is 'arrogant': Ben-Gvir lashes out at finance minister after budget clash

These comments follow the return of the Knesset for winter session and reports regarding budget cuts for certain ministries.

 Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attend a plenum session on forming the government, in the Israeli parliament, on December 29, 2022.

Welfare, wage, and ministry cuts: Treasury unveils plan for 2025 budget

The budget outline includes closing five ministries and numerous budget cuts to ministries, which may bring resistance from ministers and slow its passage through the Knesset.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich speaks at a news conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, last week.

Iran's military budget is growing: What does that mean for the Middle East? - analysis

Iran wants to increase the accuracy of its range and the overall number of its ballistic missiles.

Iranian armed forces members march during a ceremony of the National Army Day parade in Tehran, Iran April 18, 2022

Israel's 2025 budget delays a red flag to investors and Israelis - analysis

Israel's economic professionals have stressed it, Ratings agencies have said it - Israel needs a responsible budget for 2025, and it needs to show it can pass one now.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Fitch Rating logo seen in background.

Moody's downgrade due to Israel's clueless leadership, gov't mistrust - expert

Israel's long-term future could continue to deteriorate if the government does not "understand the gravity of the moment."

Bezalel Smotrich is seen pointing down in an illustrative featuring credit agency Moody's.

Uncertainty on when US aid will reach Israel may lead to further 2024 budget adjustments

Because the ministry does not currently know how much American aid will arrive and when, they decided not to account for this in the current expansion of the 2024 budget.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, on June 10, 2024

Economist warns: Israel's war costs could reach 10% of GDP, raising urgent challenges

"It is not unlike a second war of independence. And unlike the Yom Kippur War of 1973, which lasted three weeks, its end is not in sight.”

Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speak in the Knesset plenum on February 21, 2024

NIS 727 billion budget expansion passes in Knesset as Israel-Hamas War continues

The Knesset approved a second 2024 budget, driven by the Israel-Hamas war, with 57 votes for and 51 against.

Inside the Knesset building.