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flag Israel’s 2026 budget passes first vote with record funds for haredi groups and settlements, rising defense spending, and coalition deals amid criticism over public benefits and war compensation.

flag Israel’s 2026 budget, passing its first Knesset reading, includes a record NIS 6 billion in coalition funds for haredi institutions and West Bank settlements, with defense spending rising to NIS 143 billion. flag Facing a March 31 deadline to avoid automatic elections, the government rushed the vote amid opposition criticism over lack of public benefits, no war-impact compensation for workers, and prioritizing coalition interests over state education. flag Nearly NIS 5.8 billion in funds remain under legal oversight to ensure civilian war use. flag Ultra-Orthodox parties support the budget after financial incentives, despite earlier threats. flag The final vote is expected before Passover.

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