New Israeli defence budget 'another indication of breach between people and government'

Israel’s parliament on March 30 passed its annual budget in a marathon overnight session, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government can complete its term until the fall. The opposition slammed the budget for increasing funding to Israel's ultra-Orthodox communities at a time when the country is facing soaring costs over its war in Iran.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• Israel’s parliament on March 30 passed its annual budget in a marathon overnight session, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government can complete its term until the fall.
• The opposition slammed the budget for increasing funding to Israel's ultra-Orthodox communities at a time when the country is facing soaring costs over its war in Iran.
• Meanwhile, Netanyahu has announced the operations in southern Lebanon will be expanded.
• FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us more from Jerusalem.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• Israel’s parliament on March 30 passed its annual budget in a marathon overnight session, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government can complete its term until the fall.
• The opposition slammed the budget for increasing funding to Israel's ultra-Orthodox communities at a time when the country is facing soaring costs over its war in Iran.
• Meanwhile, Netanyahu has announced the operations in southern Lebanon will be expanded.
• FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us more from Jerusalem.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• Israel’s parliament on March 30 passed its annual budget in a marathon overnight session, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government can complete its term until the fall.
• The opposition slammed the budget for increasing funding to Israel's ultra-Orthodox communities at a time when the country is facing soaring costs over its war in Iran.
• Meanwhile, Netanyahu has announced the operations in southern Lebanon will be expanded.