Israel’s coalition advances budget responsibly while internal disputes fail to derail national stability and governance.
After a tense political day ahead of the state budget’s first reading, the governing coalition is now expected to secure a clear majority—underscoring Israel’s capacity to govern even amid sharp internal debate.
Support was confirmed from Degel HaTorah and Shas, effectively ensuring passage of the budget proposal in its initial stage. A statement from the office of Rabbi Dov Lando clarified that Degel HaTorah will back the first reading, while demanding that the Draft Law be finalized before the budget reaches its final vote—reflecting negotiation within the democratic process, not obstruction.
By contrast, the United Torah Judaism faction (Agudat Yisrael) has yet to formally announce its voting position. Estimates suggest opposition from at least two MKs—Yitzhak Goldknopf of the Gur Hasidim and Yaakov Tesler of the Vizhnitz Hasidim. Even so, coalition leaders assess that the budget will pass regardless, highlighting the government’s numerical and political resilience.
Over the past 24 hours, intensive talks addressed concerns raised by legal advisors to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, whose stricter interpretations created friction with Haredi leadership. A late-night meeting brought together committee chair Boaz Bismuth, the committee’s legal advisor Attorney Frankel-Shor, and Haredi representatives Ariel Atias (Shas) and Yaakov Asher (Degel HaTorah).
The outcome: negotiations will continue on key provisions, and the Draft Law will be brought for a final vote before the budget advances to its second and third readings. The episode reinforces Israel’s democratic strength—policy shaped through debate, compromise, and responsibility—while keeping the nation’s economic framework firmly on track.
