Israeli Finance Committee Approves Billions in Budget Transfers Amid Opposition Criticism

The Knesset Finance Committee held intense sessions on Sunday, approving budget transfers totaling billions of shekels despite sharp opposition criticism. Opposition members accused the coalition of violating budget law procedures, noting that some transfer requests were submitted last minute, contrary to the required two-day advance notice. The committee's legal advisor also criticized the handling of certain transfers, warning that some did not meet procedural standards, and referenced previous Supreme Court rulings that deemed some transfers unlawful.

Over approximately 20 hours of discussions, the committee reviewed dozens of budget transfer requests, including funds allocated to ultra-Orthodox religious institutions. Among the approved transfers was over one billion shekels to the Takuma Administration for rehabilitating communities near the Gaza border. Other significant allocations included 235 million shekels to the Ministry of Construction and Housing for immigrant housing development, 155 million shekels for Ashkelon city rehabilitation, and 29 million shekels to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration to support immigrant-absorbing municipalities.

Additional transfers comprised 2.2 billion shekels to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, primarily for cleanliness funds, alternative landfill infrastructure, and environmental education. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration received 80 million shekels from various ministries, while the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Energy were allocated approximately 20 million and 35 million shekels respectively for internal changes and sewage infrastructure support. Despite the opposition's allegations and legal concerns, the committee approved all transfers and continues its deliberations.