Budget

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.
THE KNESSET during a meeting on December 24, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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


The war is not an excuse to neglect the fight against poverty - opinion

Security challenges require us to unite as a society, but they must not become an excuse to neglect the state’s basic duty toward its citizens.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich addresses the Knesset plenum, earlier this year. While the government is busy formulating the state budget for 2025, it appears that the war has become a convenient excuse to ignore the deep social crisis in which Israel finds itself, the writer argues.

Real de-escalation with Hezbollah could limit pressure on Israel's finances - Fitch

"It is too early to say whether these risks will be significantly and sustainably reduced," Moody's later said in a statement.

 People walk past the headquarters of Fitch Ratings in New York, February 6, 2013.

Will Israeli travel get more efficient?

Data in the State Comptroller’s report reveals that while the construction cost was indeed NIS 500 million, the real cost of the project is much higher.

 Heavy traffic on the Ayalon South highway at the Moshe Dayan Interchange earlier this year.

New immigrants aren't statistics: They're an essential part of Israel's growth - opinion

Each oleh contributes not only to our workforce but also enriches our society with diverse perspectives, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

 THE ANIÈRES MECHINA scholarship program creates pathways for young, Jewish olim from challenging economic backgrounds to become leading engineers in Israel.

Second only to Ukraine: The cost of Israel's defense burden

Experts warn of economic impact as Israel’s defense budget reaches 6.5% of GDP.

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Galant attend vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, March 13, 2024.

Israel's budget shows that self-preservation tops government priorities - editorial

The 2025 budget ignores several crucial factors. The ramifications will likely have lasting detrimental effects on our world standing.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks during a vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem, March 13, 2024.

Knesset approves Israel's 2025 budget despite threats of opposition

The national budget for 2025 will be around NIS 607.4 billion. The government has also approved budget adjustments totaling about NIS 37 billion.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. (Illustrative)

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.