
The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
Day 537 - Gazans rise up against Hamas: The end of the beginning?
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The passage of the 2025 budget bill stabilizes Netanyahu's government but raises concerns over cuts to essential social services amidst rising living costs.
- Protests in Gaza against Hamas reflect a potential shift in public sentiment, signaling a desire for governance change despite the risks of power vacuums.
Deep dives
Israel's Historic Budget and Government Stability
The recent passage of the 2025 budget bill signifies a pivotal moment for the Israeli government, marking the largest budget in the country's history at 756 billion shekels. This budget is seen as critical for stabilizing Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition government, as it secures necessary resources amidst pressing public spending demands, primarily in defense. However, the budget has raised concerns about substantial cuts in social programs such as youth at risk initiatives and health services, while significantly increasing funding for Haredi education and related subsidies. The balance of spending priorities reflects a complicated political landscape, revealing Netanyahu's reliance on coalition partners to maintain his position and the dissatisfaction it breeds among broader Israeli society regarding social outcomes.