What It’s About
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other coalition leaders have voiced criticism towards National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for voting against a critical tax bill that holds significance for the 2025 state budget.
Why It Matters
The bill in question is pivotal for maintaining the stability of Israel’s coalition government and is a key component of the next fiscal year’s budget. Netanyahu, having shown significant personal dedication by attending the Knesset vote despite health issues, emphasizes the urgency of unity in financial decisions that will impact Israel’s security and economic resilience.
The Details
Prime Minister Netanyahu called for cohesion, stressing, “I expect all coalition members to stop shaking the coalition,” highlighting the moment’s significance to preserve Israel’s right-wing government. Despite challenges, he expressed satisfaction with the passage of crucial budgetary legislation bolstering Israel’s economy and security.
Statements from Ben-Gvir and Others
Responding to the backlash, Ben-Gvir questioned the catalyst for his choice to vote against, attributing it to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s actions. Ben-Gvir accused Smotrich of wrongfully dragging Netanyahu from his sickbed, apparently over political disagreements rather than meaningful negotiations.
Meanwhile, Bezalel Smotrich and other senior coalition figures criticized Ben-Gvir, asserting he jeopardized government and economic stability. Netanyahu praised Smotrich’s responsible handling of the economy amid enduring challenges.
Reactions Within the Coalition
Other coalition members, such as MK Almog Cohen and MK Ohad Tal, stressed their intent to maintain coalition solidarity by supporting the bill. They perceived Ben-Gvir’s stance as favoring political maneuvering over coalition integrity, potentially diminishing the right-wing bloc’s influence.
This incident underlines a deeper call for collaboration and strategically targeted actions to ensure Israel navigates both domestic and international pressures resiliently. The coalition’s objective remains a robust and secure governance strategy that reflects the diverse needs of the populace while maintaining unity in leadership focus.
This story was first published on jpost.com.