2025-03-13 16:19:00
Coalition Pressure Mounts: 2025 State Budget at Risk
Budget Approval Challenges
As the Knesset prepares for the vote on the 2025 state budget, the coalition faces intense pressure to secure a necessary majority of 61 votes. Currently, the coalition consists of 62 members, but is at risk following declarations from two members of the United Torah Judaism party, MKs Moshe Roth and Yaakov Tesler, who plan to oppose the budget in protest against the lack of progress on the enlistment bill.
Without the support of the Otzma Yehudit party, which remains a crucial element in the coalition's stability, the government is navigating a precarious path to maintain control.
Ben Gvir's Strategic Position
Otzma Yehudit leader MK Itamar Ben Gvir has been courted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is engaged in discussions about Ben Gvir's potential return to the government. However, Ben Gvir has not publicly committed to how his party will vote on the budget, further complicating the coalition's plans.
Recently, Ben Gvir sent a message to his party member Almog Cohen, instructing him to align with the party’s decision regarding the budget vote. This has created heightened anxiety within the coalition, as they cannot afford to assume that Ben Gvir will not vote against the budget, potentially jeopardizing the right-wing government.
Possible Return of Smotrich
In a bid to shore up support, coalition leaders have approached Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to consider returning to the Knesset. Smotrich's return could provide the coalition with an additional supportive vote on the budget.
Smotrich previously stepped down from the Knesset following the Norwegian law, allowing Yitzhak Kreizer of Otzma Yehudit to fill his seat. If Smotrich decides to resume his position to help ensure the budget's passage, he would need to submit his resignation from the government by Sunday. According to regulations, his resignation would take effect 48 hours later, enabling him to rejoin parliamentary proceedings.
Urgency in Coalition Negotiations
Insiders close to Netanyahu underscore the urgency of resolving discussions with Ben Gvir in the coming days, particularly regarding security and diplomatic issues, which Ben Gvir is demanding as conditions for his cooperation. Expectations include discussions around military operations in Gaza and the potential implementation of former President Trump’s voluntary immigration plan.
As the days leading up to the budget vote unfold, Netanyahu and his team remain poised to solidify agreements under the critical pressure of upcoming budget approvals.
Moreover, Netanyahu's close ally Gideon Saar is expected to finalize agreements with the National Security party next week, revising prior decisions that impeded arrangements with Saar's supporters. The political landscape is rapidly shifting, and the outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the government’s continuity.
Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu, State Budget, Coalition Government, Almog Cohen, Itamar Ben Gvir, Otzma Yehudit, Bezalel Smotrich, Knesset