Israeli parliament passes record state budget

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, approved the 2026 state budget on Monday in its final reading, averting a government collapse and an early election, according to local media. The spending bill, totaling about 271 billion U.S. dollars, passed by a vote of 62 to 55, as the largest in Israel's history.

The defense ministry alone will receive more than around 45 billion dollars, also a record allocation. Under Israeli law, failing to pass the budget by March 31 triggers an automatic government collapse and forces a snap election within roughly 90 days. Israeli legislative elections are currently slated for October.