Israel's Massive Budget Passed Amid Wars, Controversy

0:00A March 30th, Israel's parliament just pushed through its massive annual budget after an all-night grind, locking in Prime Minister Benjamin. Nenyahoo's government through the fall elections. They had to get it done before April 1st, or face snap votes, and is scraped by 62-55. This $270 billion beast is the biggest ever, with a 20% jump for defense to $45 billion amid the grinding wars. The session got wild with Iranian missiles lighting up sirens over Jerusalem three times, forcing talks in a spot closer to the bomb shelter. That cashed well for the military comes from slashing other ministries, all while Iran's daily barrages and the Hezbollah flare up in Lebanon keep. Folks on edge. Opposition leaders are spitting fire, calling it a huge ripoff for funneling extra dough to ultra-orthodox communities, including 250. Million more for their schools at the 11th hour. They're raging because those groups dodge mandatory army service, while the IDF's desperate for troops, and costs from the Gaza fight and now Iran are, skyrocketing.

1:07Poles show Israelis back the war's hard, but Nenyahoo's crew isn't riding that wave. His popularity's taint since the October 7th attack. Civilian rules got stretched another week, hitting the start of Passover and banning big gatherings near shelters. Pushing polls October gives Nenyahoo time to spend any war winds, though it'll land right by that brutal anniversary. For now, this budget buys the ability in chaotic times. That's the story for today. Global news today, driven by AI. I'm Cory with the story.