Netanyahu Urges Coalition Unity on Budget

By Emily Rose

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left his hospital bed to urge coalition partners to support his government’s 2025 budget following threats from hardline factions to withdraw their backing.

Recovering from prostate surgery, Netanyahu attended the Knesset against medical advice to advocate for legislation aimed at increasing state revenues. This follows a potential rebellion from public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and ultra-Orthodox parties, who indicated they might oppose or abstain from voting on the bill.

The budget, which includes a wartime austerity package of tax increases and spending cuts, passed narrowly, highlighting growing fractures within what is considered the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history.

In an earlier vote this month, the budget bill was approved, although it faced significant dissent from coalition members demanding the dismissal of Israel’s attorney general.

“I expect all members of the coalition, including Minister Ben-Gvir, to stop rattling the coalition and endangering the existence of a right-wing government,” Netanyahu expressed on Tuesday.

Ben Gvir has called for additional funding for the Israeli police, which he oversees, while ultra-Orthodox parties oppose required military service for some community members.

The budget will now proceed to the Knesset finance committee and others for potential adjustments. Full approval is unlikely until at least January, with a failure to pass by March 31 risking new elections.

In September, Netanyahu aimed to strengthen his coalition, holding a 64-56 majority in the Knesset, by integrating opposition lawmaker Gideon Saar and his four New Hope party seats, reducing reliance on his ruling coalition members. Recently, Saar was appointed foreign minister.

Israel’s economy has suffered since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants, leading to a series of conflicts in Gaza and other areas. Inflation has surged, and growth has stalled, exacerbating the cost of living for Israelis.

($1 = 3.6402 shekels)