Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s commitment to prolonged discussions for the approval of an amended 2024 budget, Sunday’s government meeting turned contentious. Cabinet members engaged in a heated exchange, exchanging insults, and Education Minister Yoav Kisch, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, abruptly left the room in frustration.
Kisch directed sharp words at Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during the discussion, expressing disinterest in hearing from him or his associates. Despite Netanyahu’s attempts to defuse tensions, Kisch insisted he was not interested and walked out, with Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar following suit.
In response to the situation, Netanyahu sarcastically remarked, “If you exited the cabinet meeting and didn’t brief the media — did you truly exit the cabinet meeting?” This led Zohar to clarify that he was merely going to the bathroom. The incident highlighted the strained atmosphere during the budget deliberations.
Following his clash with Kisch, Smotrich also reportedly criticized recently appointed Energy Minister Eli Cohen for asking “questions out of a lack of understanding.”
The Finance Ministry’s current proposal calls for an overall budget increase of NIS 68.4 billion ($18.3 million) alongside an across-the-board spending cut of three percent from all government ministries, as well as a reduction of NIS 2.5 billion ($670 million) out of NIS 8 billion in coalition funds — discretionary funds earmarked for pet projects of MKs and ministers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the cabinet during their Sunday meeting, emphasizing the need for a collective effort in facing the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu argued that adjustments and an increase in the deficit are necessary to sustain and conclude the war in the coming year. Despite Prime Minister Benjamin
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to present compensation and grants for reservists, their families, and the self-employed, acknowledging their deserving of a comprehensive range of benefits. Additionally, he mentioned the submission of an augmented budget to facilitate the reconstruction of communities, kibbutzim, and the return of evacuees affected by the conflict.
Expressing his commitment to expedite the process, Netanyahu stated, “I expect that in the coming day, in the next 24 hours — I am prepared to sit here as long as necessary — and if possible, in the coming night, we will finish this. We will submit a war budget for the State of Israel, a budget that ensures our security and our future. I thank you in advance.” The emphasis was on swift action to address the immediate needs arising from the ongoing situation.