Israel Politics

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 Degel Hatorah faction within United Torah Judaism received a green light from spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando to vote in favor of the state budget, Lando's office said.

President Isaac Herzog will be traveling to Australia from February 8 to February 12, where he will meet with Jewish leaders, victims of the Bondi Beach massacre, and Australian politicians.

By law, if the state budget is not approved in all three readings by the end of March, when the fiscal year closes, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, and elections will be called.

In a short decision issued on Tuesday, Judge Ami Kobo ordered that the enforcement of the magistrate’s ruling be stayed until at least February 1.

The move also drew swift criticism from Attorney General Baharav-Miara, who warned it could amount to an unlawful effort to undermine public broadcasting and freedom of expression.

If the vote is postponed, or if the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties choose not to support it and it falls, then for all intents and purposes the government will fall with it.

In a rare radio interview with KAN Reshet Bet marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Amit addressed the deepening constitutional crisis surrounding the government’s judicial reform agenda.

Both haredi parties have threatened to withhold support for the state budget unless agreements are reached on the draft law to avoid conscription.

A petition will also be filed to Israel's Central Elections Committee over the forged picture, Bennett's party said.