Netanyahu Seeks Defense Budget Hike; Lapid Demands Cuts to Coalition Funds
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested to amend the budget law to allocate additional funds to the defense establishment, following a security briefing with former Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Lapid expressed support for bolstering the IDF's budget but objected to the proposed funding sources.
"I am for the proposal and support transferring the funds, because the IDF must be strengthened," Lapid told Netanyahu. "However, the budgetary source cannot be raising taxes on the middle class and reservists, which is where you are leading." Lapid suggested that instead of burdening the public, the government should cancel coalition funds and reduce budgets he characterized as funding "Haredi draft-dodging."
"Instead, include in the proposal the cancellation of corrupt coalition funds and tens of billions of shekels you are currently transferring to fund Haredi draft-dodging, and we will support the proposal in the Knesset as well," Lapid stated. The exchange highlights a political disagreement over fiscal priorities amidst security concerns.
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