Coalition Accuses Opposition of Blocking Nearly NIS 1 Billion Northern Israel Defense Budget

Despite the election recess, the Knesset Finance Committee is set to convene tomorrow for a special session to discuss several budget requests. However, the coalition accuses the opposition of delaying approval of a crucial budget request worth approximately one billion shekels intended for fortifying communities along Israel's northern border. This budget, which covers settlements within 0-9 kilometers of the northern frontline, has yet to be approved by the Knesset's Consensus Committee, a coordinating body between coalition and opposition during the election recess that determines which issues proceed to committee discussions.

The coalition stated that the budget request aligns with a government decision to enhance the protection of northern settlements, comprising about NIS 669.4 million in expenditure and an additional NIS 330 million in authorization commitments. According to coalition sources, the opposition's refusal to lift its objections in the Consensus Committee prevents the budget from reaching the Finance Committee for approval, causing ongoing delays in funding the northern defense measures.

Finance Committee Chair MK Hanoch Milwiczky criticized the opposition's stance, urging unity by saying, "There are things you do not politicize. Let's work together to protect the north, and now." The opposition has not yet responded to these accusations. The debate highlights tensions over security funding amid the election period and the mechanisms that govern parliamentary proceedings during recesses.