Knesset Finance Committee to Vote on Budget Changes Amid Coalition Talks
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Knesset Finance Committee will vote on November 18 on budget changes for 2026, with ministries requesting over 400 million shekels for infrastructure, social programs, and security. These votes coincide with coalition talks with ultra-Orthodox parties seeking concessions. The committee, potentially led by Avisar Ben-Horin, will also discuss US aid impacts and budget execution.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Knesset Finance Committee will review ten Ministry of Finance requests for 2026 budget changes on November 18.
- Ministries are seeking over 400 million shekels for infrastructure, social programs, and security needs.
- The committee's decisions occur amid coalition negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding concessions on conscription, religious status, and funding.
- Avisar Ben-Horin is slated to chair the committee's first meeting, addressing US aid impacts.
The Knesset Finance Committee, in its new composition, is set to review ten requests from the Ministry of Finance for budget adjustments to the 2026 fiscal year on Wednesday, November 18. These requests were submitted by government ministries prior to the recent elections.
Several ministries are seeking significant funding. The Ministry for Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Tradition is requesting 46 million shekels for infrastructure on Mount Meron and events honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. The Ministry of Interior is asking for 101.2 million shekels, covering prior commitments including Aryeh Deri's food coupon program, ministry operations, election expenses, programs for Druze and Circassian communities, and the biometric database. The Diaspora Affairs Ministry seeks 14.1 million shekels for Jewish identity projects and 8.2 million shekels in coalition funds. The Ministry of Social Equality is allocated 6 million shekels for services to marginalized groups.
The Ministry of Justice is requesting a reallocation of 143.1 million shekels, primarily for judicial salaries and the enforcement and collection authority. The Ministry of National Security is requesting 71.6 million shekels for police vehicle purchases. Additionally, 139 million shekels in commitment authorization is sought for the Urban Renewal Authority, with a substantial portion designated for renovation projects in Ashkelon. The committee will also consider a 50 million shekels increase for industrial zone infrastructure and funds for increased security costs for ministers.
These budget discussions are occurring concurrently with coalition negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties, who are demanding concessions on conscription exemptions, religious status quo, and continued funding for their institutions. Avisar Ben-Horin of Yahad is expected to chair the Finance Committee's first meeting, which will address the macroeconomic impact of a potential cessation of US military aid. The committee will also review the state budget's execution and preparations for the 2026 fiscal year closure.
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