Jerusalem: The Knesset, Israel's parliament, passed the 2025 state budget on Tuesday, marking a significant achievement for the Benjamin Netanyahu government. The budget, totaling 755.9 billion shekels ($206.4 billion), was approved in the third and final reading by a vote of 66-52, as announced in a statement from the Knesset.

According to Anadolu Agency, the budget had to be passed before the end of March to prevent the government's collapse and the potential call for early elections. Defense allocations in the budget reached 109.8 billion shekels ($30 billion), while education allocations stood at 92 billion shekels ($25 billion).

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed that the budget was crafted with a focus on both military and domestic needs. He stated, "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."

Despite this, the state budget has faced substantial criticism from the opposition. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beytenu Party, highlighted the increased costs of living, noting rises in VAT, National Insurance payments, and utility costs, without any reduction in coalition funds. Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, also criticized the budget, suggesting it would have long-term negative impacts on citizens.

The budget's passage coincided with protests outside the Knesset in west Jerusalem, where demonstrators opposed the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and a withdrawal of confidence from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Police reported the arrest of six protesters for disrupting public order and blocking traffic.

This budget approval occurs amid an ongoing military campaign by the Israeli army in Gaza, which has resulted in over 50,100 deaths and more than 113,700 injuries. The situation in Gaza has led to the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.