From Debate to Decision: Inside Israel’s Parliament as Ksh.1.2 Trillion Wartime Budget Emerges
Summary:
In a historic move, the Israeli parliament greenlit a groundbreaking budget of Ksh.1.2 trillion, signaling a robust commitment to confront challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The intense deliberations centered on allocating funds for settlements and ultra-Orthodox communities, with the majority of the additional budget earmarked for the war effort and support for affected civilians.
In a pivotal moment of national significance, the Israeli parliament, after heated debates, recently ratified a revised 2023 budget, allocating a staggering Ksh.1.2 trillion to address the pressing needs arising from the conflict with Hamas. The deliberations were marked by a sharp divide over financial provisions for settlements and ultra-Orthodox communities.
With a narrow margin of 59 votes in favor and 44 against in the 120-seat parliament, the supplementary fiscal measures of around 30 billion shekels ($8 billion) came to fruition. Of this substantial sum, 17 billion shekels have been designated to bolster Israel’s war effort, reflecting the nation’s unwavering commitment to neutralizing the threat posed by Hamas.
The remaining 13.5 billion shekels are earmarked for providing essential support to civilians adversely affected by the conflict. This move acknowledges the humanitarian aspect of the situation, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to address both the immediate security concerns and the welfare of the affected populace.
This financial injection comes on the heels of a three-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, sparked by the militant group’s shocking October 7 attacks. Israeli officials report approximately 1,200 casualties, predominantly civilians, while the Hamas-run health ministry in the Palestinian territory claims over 18,700 deaths, primarily among women and children.
Notably, a significant portion of the civilian funding is directed towards residents of southern Israeli communities targeted by Hamas, ensuring that the impact of the conflict is mitigated at the grassroots level. Additionally, inhabitants of areas near the Lebanon border, facing constant rocket attacks from Hezbollah, will also benefit from the allocated funds. The evacuation of around 250,000 people from these “active combat zones” will be supported, covering security needs and providing essential services such as shelters, hospitals, and emergency assistance.
The 2023 budget, totaling around 600 billion shekels, had been a subject of tense negotiations, particularly with far-right and religious coalition partners. However, elements of the center-right opposition joined forces to create a national unity administration, facilitating the budget’s approval. Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the budget, citing concerns over the discretionary fund of 14 billion shekels shared among pre-war government parties. This fund includes allocations for ultra-Orthodox communities and Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, raising contentious debates about legality under international law.
