Budget

The government has declared a state of emergency in STEM studies and allocated about 1.5 billion shekels to the program. The program has already begun to operate, but parts of it are outside the scope of monitoring. The "Monitor" section of Globes and the Center for Citizen Empowerment is tracking the "Real Israel" program.

Israel's 2026 revenues are deceptive. Despite strong tax collection, Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich warns of significant fiscal challenges ahead in 2027–2028.

Shay Aharonovich warns that the compensation fund is about to run out, and revealed that the Tax Authority is examining a series of dramatic moves, including imposing property tax, taxing advanced study funds (karanot hishtalmut), and a mandatory reporting requirement on rent that alone would bring in about 1.5 billion shekels a year.

After the defense establishment warned that the Budget Department is blocking the transfer of 15 billion shekels during a severe shortage of Humvees and ammunition, senior Treasury officials are launching a counterattack. According to them, the budget is currently pending in the Knesset Finance Committee, and accusations against the Treasury are baseless.

Against the backdrop of criticism regarding budget allocations, data on the Haredi influencer campaign has been published. How much did the sponsored content cost and what was the reaction of the "B'Tsalmo" organization?

After the commanders of the Air Force and Navy set goals for purchasing thousands of munitions for various arenas, including Iran, Walla has learned that the deals may be delayed due to the Treasury's demand for legislation to increase the deficit. The army is embarrassed by the conduct of the government and the Treasury, as there is currently no ability to pay the US.

The special education budget in Israel has increased by 2.5 billion shekels, reaching 26.5 billion in 2026. The number of students in the system has grown by 8.8%, significantly outpacing the growth rate of the general education system.

Although it often flies under the radar, local government is one of the most important players in the education system. Municipalities spend thousands of shekels on every student, but they are less active when they need to understand exactly where the money is going. And also: how did it happen that a small and surprising city took first place in the ranking of investment in education?

A study by the Manor Center has revealed a significant budgetary gap between state schools and the state-religious (Hamad) education system, with Hamad high school students receiving an average of 10,000 shekels more annually.

For a decade, the Ministry of Education imposed fines on Haredi schools for failing to meet core curriculum requirements, but the state has admitted in the Supreme Court that these fines were never actually implemented.

Israeli and US strikes have failed to stop the momentum of defense production in Iran, which claims to have even tripled the rate. Meanwhile, Taiwan is increasing defense spending in the face of the Chinese threat, and Switzerland fears being left without air defense in a world where demand for defense systems is only growing.

A 30% cut in Qatar's annual budget may be just the beginning of the emirate's struggle with the fallout of the war. The country may reduce its global investments, including a half-trillion-dollar commitment to the USA, as well as cancel trade contracts due to "force majeure."

Budget sent a message to customers warning of service and supply issues with Chery vehicles imported by Frisbee. Following a Calcalist inquiry, the leasing company announced that joint efforts have led to significant improvements.

The University of Haifa is facing a 60 million shekel annual deficit. As part of a recovery plan, 170 non-tenured lecturers have received notices of dismissal or position reductions.

The Ministry of Finance is promoting a series of tax measures in the automotive sector for the post-election period to address the state budget deficit. The regulations are expected to focus on alternative-propulsion vehicles, which are projected to significantly reduce state fuel tax revenues.

The war between the US and Israel against Iran has severely hit Qatar's revenues from gas exports, leading to a cut of up to 30% in government budgets and about 85% in foreign aid. The IMF predicts that its economy will shrink by 8.6% this year.

The Supreme Court rejected Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's request to cancel the freeze on funds approved by the Finance Committee, but allowed the release of 78 million shekels for the Ministry of Religious Services.

The author calls for an educational reform where special needs funding is attached to the child rather than the institution, turning students into sought-after opportunities for schools.

In 2025, state winnings from civil lawsuits reached a record 1.5 billion shekels. This result was driven by the Civil Enforcement Unit's shift toward a proactive strategy to protect public resources.

Globes has learned that the government is preparing to approve an additional tens of billions of shekels for security needs as early as next week. Analysts warn that this could necessitate future tax hikes and budget cuts.

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich uploaded a video to social media in which he launched a sharp attack against the 15 billion shekel plan for the rehabilitation of the North presented by Gadi Eisenkot, accusing his opponent of manipulating public opinion.

After about three years of intense fighting, the IDF and Ministry of Defense's "budget hole" is estimated at 40 billion shekels, primarily due to reserve duty expenses. Amid this, there is internal criticism of the Manpower Directorate for inefficient management of reserve quotas, with calls for sharper cuts.

After Supreme Court Justice Alex Stein froze coalition transfers made during the parliamentary recess, the Knesset submitted a formal response. It argues that the Finance Committee meeting was convened legally, in accordance with the Speaker's authority and established parliamentary practice.

Twelve organizations caring for children with disabilities have appealed to the Ministry of Education to halt budget cuts for special education. They accuse the ministry of pushing the policy through in a "sneak attack" under the cover of Operation "Lion's Roar".

While the number of doctors leaving the country has surged in the last two years, not even 25 million shekels could be found for transporting interns after shifts. Hundreds of millions were "shaved" from the Ministry of Health budget under the whitewashed title of "civilian emergency expenses." This is not a mistake, it is a policy.

The security establishment is demanding 183 billion shekels for 2026, far exceeding the original 112 billion budget. This has sparked a major conflict with the Ministry of Finance amid concerns over civilian spending.

Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, Yehuda Avidan, issued a warning after Supreme Court Judge Alex Stein blocked the transfer of 33 million shekels intended for site security, maintenance, and utilities. If no solution is reached by the end of August, operations at the National Center for the Development of Holy Sites will stop in early September.

Israel's government deficit has dropped to 3.3% of GDP, a surprise amid the ongoing war. The Treasury has accumulated a 19 billion shekel safety cushion but fears disclosing these figures.

The state budget deficit for the last 12 months stood at 3.3% of GDP, unchanged from June. State revenues in July climbed to 55 billion shekels.

The Local Government Center has petitioned the High Court to lift a budget freeze, warning that the delay threatens salary payments for 'Summer Vacation School' staff. The court previously blocked several transfers approved by the Finance Committee.

The government will approve this morning the allocation of an additional one billion shekels to the Ministry of Defense for 2026. The funds are designated for classified and urgent security procurement.

From road safety to infrastructure investment: we analyzed the performance of Transport Minister Miri Regev. Rising road fatalities and mixed budget execution contrast with the recovery of public transport usage. The 'Performance Traffic Light' — a special project.

The Supreme Court has issued a temporary order freezing budget transfers for ultra-Orthodox education approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, citing procedural flaws.

During a Finance Committee meeting, Chairman Hanoch Milwidsky clashed with activists protesting the transfer of 360 million shekels to settlements, calling them "worse than Nukhba."

The Knesset Finance Committee has approved budget transfers totaling approximately 250 million shekels for the ultra-Orthodox education system, according to the office of Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni. The funding includes seniority-based pay adjustments for kindergarten teachers, transportation for students in the Independent Education and Bnei Yosef networks, and support for at-risk youth...

MK Naama Lazimi and Hiddush legal advisor Dr. Ifat Solel have petitioned the Supreme Court to block a Finance Committee meeting. They argue that the proposed 360 million shekel budget transfers during the election recess violate Knesset regulations.

The Finance Ministry has released a concerning forecast indicating that by 2029, the National Insurance Institute will be unable to meet its financial obligations. The ministry attributes this to an expansion of benefit eligibility and extensive discounts for non-working population groups. Proposed measures include tightening eligibility criteria and increasing contribution fees specifically for...

The coalition and the opposition are trading blame over the failure to approve the budget for fortifying northern communities. While the sides argue, the Knesset Finance Committee is set to discuss the transfer of coalition funds.

Knesset Legal Advisor Sagit Afik has authorized a Finance Committee meeting regarding budget transfers for the ultra-Orthodox sector and settlements, despite opposition objections.

Amidst the parliamentary recess, the Knesset Finance Committee is set to convene for an emergency session. While the agenda includes critical security and northern funding, it also features the approval of hundreds of millions of shekels in coalition funds, sparking significant controversy.

Applicants for vocational training living stipends have found the Ministry of Labor's portal closed, as the annual budget was exhausted mid-year. The Ministry has requested additional funding.

Errors in AI implementation and a lack of oversight have led to multi-million dollar unplanned expenses at Amazon. Employees' indiscriminate use of AI models caused a significant spike in token consumption costs.

Despite the dissolution of the Knesset for elections, the Ministry of Finance continues to request large budget transfers. The opposition, led by MK Vladimir Beliak, is actively blocking the approval of these funds.

Israel is identified as a climate change hotspot, with the region warming faster than the global average. Despite the rising frequency of extreme weather events, government funding for climate adaptation is being reduced.

In an interview with Galei Israel radio, Minister Maya Golan claimed that Shin Bet head Ronen Bar sent emissaries to threaten her over her decision to halt budget allocations. The minister stated she was warned of an “intifada in her name.”

The Knesset Finance Committee is set to discuss a 100 million shekel transfer to the Ministry of Religious Services. Opposition coordinator MK Vladimir Beliak has strongly criticized the move.

Human rights organizations and the National Committee of Heads of Arab Local Authorities have petitioned the Supreme Court. They demand the cancellation of a 500 million shekel budget cut to the 'Takdum' program and its transfer to the Shin Bet.

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman has called for a complete budget overhaul, the closure of unnecessary ministries, and preparation for a post-US aid reality after 2028.

The Ministry of Education has frozen benefit payments to over 90,000 yeshiva students who are draft evaders, following a Supreme Court ruling. Representatives reported this to the Knesset Finance Committee.

About 16 billion shekels will be allocated to various purposes, including 111 million for ultra-Orthodox education. The Knesset Finance Committee convened during the parliamentary recess to approve the budget adjustments.