The Israeli Knesset passed the 2025 budget on Tuesday amid criticism by the opposition and protests that saw the Israeli occupation police arresting several demonstrators.
Israeli lawmakers in the plenum vote 66-52 in favor of the controversial NIS 755 billion ($205 billion) budget.
The vote came ahead of a March 31 deadline that would have seen the government fall if not passed.
“The budget has everything we need to win on the front and on the home front. We all approached this budget with a great sense of mission and responsibility,” The Times of Israel quoted Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as saying.
“We promoted measures that will support growth and allow the Israeli economy to maintain its strength and continue to prosper. This is a war budget and, God willing, it will also be the victory budget.”
Israeli Opposition Stance
However, the opposition slammed the bill, saying it include high taxes.
“All prices have increased. VAT has increased, National Insurance payments have increased, water, electricity and property taxes have increased – everything has increased…but they haven’t cut a single penny in coalition funds,” said Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman.
“This budget will be felt by all citizens of Israel all year long and you will ultimately pay the bill. Your detachment and arrogance will come back to you with interest,” said National Unity chairman Benny Gantz.
Israeli Police Arrest Protesters
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli occupation police arrested six protesters during an anti-government demonstration near the Knesset building in occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem) earlier today.
Demonstrators blocking roads near government buildings were dragged off the sidewalk by police officers.
“So far, the police have arrested six suspects for disturbing public order and they were taken for questioning at the police station,” the Israeli police spokesman said.
Israeli Walla News reported that Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz arrived at the Knesset by helicopter as protesters blocked the road to the building.
Hebrew website #Walla: Defense Minister #Katz arrived at the Knesset in a military helicopter due to demonstrations surrounding the building.@qudsn #Palestine pic.twitter.com/F36VIEikFF
— ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) March 25, 2025
Source: Israeli media (edited by Al-Manar English Website)
