During the night (between Monday and Tuesday), the government approved the revision of the state budget for 2023, adjusting it to the needs of the war. Alongside the large majority that supported the Finance Minister's proposal, there were also opponents – members of the state camp as well as Likud member Minister Barkat. Minister Akunis abstained.
Economy Minister Nir Barkat explained why he opposes the approved budget: "I voted tonight against dividing the government budget for the coming month. A government that cuts back on the manufacturing sector, growth engines, the periphery, small and medium-sized businesses, and capital investments sends a message of anti-economic growth. I hope that by the time the Knesset votes, they will rethink their course. The economic battle must not be lost."
Minister Gideon Sa'ar: "We demanded a freeze on everything that is not necessary, whether it belongs to coalition funds or other funds. In my view, is this grounds for quitting the government? Absolutely not – it reflects a lack of understanding of the challenge we as a country face."
As expected, opposition leader Yair Lapid also attacked the approval of the budget: "While you were sleeping, the government passed the budget with the coalition funds, left the unnecessary ministries, did the smallest and poorest politics instead of transferring all the money to the fighters, the evacuees and businesses that are collapsing. There's no shame."
Finance Minister Smotrich welcomed the government's approval of the budget: "This budget is correct, appropriate and vital now for the State of Israel. The citizens of Israel can and should be proud and confident that there is a country that you can sit back in difficult times and know that there is someone who is holding you. That's what we're here for."
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