Netanyahu's Budget Push Amid War, Election Threats

0:00It's March 25th. Welcome to Global News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing hard to pass the state budget by March 31st to avoid snap elections that Paul suggests he would lose. The ongoing war with Iran, now in its fifth week, has not boosted his popularity as some in his camp initially hoped. Without the budget, Israeli law would trigger a vote within 90 days. Earlier this week, Netanyahu's team shifted from floating early summer elections to securing coalition support. They are allocating funds to key allies, including Ultra Orthodox parties to ensure a majority in parliament. This comes as the Finance Committee rushes the bill forward. Polls show Netanyahu's coalition holding steady at around 40% support, with opposition also at 40% and swing voters unmoved. Israelis back the war against what they see as an existential threat from Iran. But fatigue is setting in with no clear end or regime change in sight.

1:01The conflict is taking a heavy toll, costing the economy about $1.6 billion weekly, plus 32 billion shekels and extra defense. Ultra Orthodox groups dropped their budget threats after getting 5 billion shekels for their schools, helping Netanyahu by time amid his. Corruption trial. As the deadline looms and war expenses climb, Netanyahu's focus remains on stabilizing his government through October, keeping elections on track. Despite the pressures,