Budget

Israel's budget deadline: What happens if Knesset cannot agree in time? - explainer

By law, failure to pass the budget by March 31 leads to an automatic collapse of the government and snap elections within about 90 days.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen after the vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, January 28, 2026.

Knesset advances 2026 state budget in first reading amid coalition crisis over haredi draft

 Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023.

Netanyahu convenes emergency meeting as haredi parties threaten to block state budget vote

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).

Knesset to vote on first reading of 2026 state budget, amid haredi parties' threats


Government submits 2026 budget to Knesset, Smotrich vows passage despite rifts

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the government was "determined to pass it [the state budget] on first reading,” during a press conference at the Knesset on Monday.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

Gov’t faces one-week deadline to pass first reading of state budget amid haredi draft bill threats

A first reading of the budget must be approved for the state to approve it in March. 

THE KNESSET during a meeting on December 24, 2025.

Shas threatens to vote down 2026 state budget if haredi draft law not passed

Without the support of Shas lawmakers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government could lack the votes needed to pass the budget.

 Shas faction meeting in the Israeli parliament on December 8, 2025.

Defense Ministry director-general says Israel returned too quickly to pre-Oct. 7 budget approach

He accused the Finance Ministry of consistently underfunding the defense establishment, leading to debt within defense industries.

 Incoming IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram gives remarks at his inauguration ceremony, October 31, 2022.

Shas threatens to oppose 2026 state budget over haredi food-voucher exclusion

If the budget is not approved by the end of March, the close of the fiscal year, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, and new elections will be called.

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023.

What did the gov’t approve for Israel’s 2026 state budget? - explainer

The 2026 budget passed its first test, yet the battles over defense, taxes, and reforms expose a government more focused on managing crises than shaping policy.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

Smotrich, Sa'ar approve NIS 2.35 billion in hasbara budget for campaigns, influencers in 2026

The budget will be used for campaigns to raise awareness and promote Israel worldwide, with NIS 1 billion already authorized by the government.

Gideon Sa'ar

For Gaza border communities to rebuild, Israel must stop eroding resilience, support - opinion

If the resilience centers falter, the region falters. And if hope weakens in the Gaza border area, it weakens across the nation.

A TRAINING workshop for active community volunteers takes place at the Sha’ar HaNegev Resilience Center.

Israel's 2026 state budget to be brought for gov't approval on Dec. 4 amid tensions

After passing the first hurdle of government approval, the budget proposal will still need to be brought to the Knesset’s plenum for three separate readings before it is finalized.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet seen at the Knesset plenum, June 11, 2025

Ohana: Knesset budget to be cut by NIS 125m. following two years of intense war with Hamas

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announces a NIS 125 million budget cut for 2025, with the funds directed to the treasury to support Israel's economy amid ongoing challenges.

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG addresses the Knesset plenum at the opening of the winter session on October 20, 2025.