Overview
- The Knesset, which approved the plan early Monday by 62–55, avoided an automatic snap election tied to the end‑of‑March budget deadline.
- The package totals about NIS 850.6 billion ($271 billion) with roughly NIS 143 billion ($45.8 billion) for defense, lifting the 2026 deficit target to about 4.9–5% of GDP and triggering a 3% cut across most civilian ministries.
- Coalition lawmakers advanced after‑midnight amendments that unlocked roughly NIS 800 million for ultra‑Orthodox schools that the attorney‑general had blocked, and several opposition MKs mistakenly voted for the measures.
- Missile sirens linked to Iranian attacks repeatedly halted proceedings, and lawmakers at times voted from a fortified room, highlighting how the multi‑front war is shaping basic governance.
- Coalition figures say a bill to formalize ultra‑Orthodox draft exemptions will return after Passover, which could clash with the IDF chief’s warning that the army needs more personnel.