As partners gripe, Likud says budget battles no big deal

A message sent to Hebrew-language media in the name of an unnamed “senior Likud source” claims that the party believes disputes over the state budget will be quickly put to bed.

The source describes the outstanding disagreements as “small funding gaps that will be dealt with in coming days.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also seemingly responds to grumbling within the coalition over budget allotments, which has led to two ministers moving toward tendering resignations this week.

“We created a strong right-wing government and it will complete its term,” he says.

The comment may also be aimed at rebuffing claims that the premier is negotiating the creation of an alternative government with center-left partners in order to shed his far-right allies.