The Knesset has approved a second additional budget for the year 2024 in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. The decision comes as the conflict shows no signs of abating, leading to prolonged military engagement beyond initial estimates. The first additional budget, based on the hope that the intensity of the war would decrease by June 2024, has proven insufficient due to the extended fighting.
As a result, the government has identified the need for increased civilian expenditures to address the ongoing impacts of the war. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has criticized the move, questioning where the funding will come from and highlighting the potential burden on the middle class and working public.
Meanwhile, MK Benny Gantz has emphasized that the decision to open the budget again represents a failure, with the main goal being to increase the deficit at the expense of Israeli citizens. The contentious nature of the budget approval reflects the broader challenges faced by the government in navigating the complexities of the ongoing conflict.