The Knesset, Israel's legislative body, approved a supplementary budget of 727.4 billion shekels (approximately $192 billion) amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision reflects the urgent need for increased funding to support civilians and military efforts during the prolonged war, which has significantly impacted the Israeli economy.
The budget received a narrow approval with a vote of 57 to 51, indicating deep divisions within the Knesset. Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, have raised concerns regarding the funding sources and the potential financial burden on the working class. The budget aims to allocate 524.32 billion shekels for routine government spending and 203.08 billion shekels for investment and development projects, amidst expectations that the conflict would ease by mid-2024.
