Haredi party leaders call on PM, Gantz to pass budget, avoid early elections

Ultra-Orthodox party leaders urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz to swiftly pass a new budget to prevent a fresh round of general elections.

The government has until August 25 to approve a budget or it will automatically dissolve. Netanyahu and Gantz agreed to pass a budget through 2021 as part of the coalition deal between their parties, but the premier is now calling for a budget that only covers the rest of the year, citing the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Gantz on the other hand is insisting on a budget that runs through next year as stipulated by the coalition agreement.

With the deadline quickly approaching, the heads of the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties huddle to discuss the impasse.

“We won’t cooperate with any effort to move up elections. The passing of a budget is the order of the day,” Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman and MK Moshe Gafni say in a joint statement after the meeting.

The Haredi lawmakers say it would be “complete madness” to hold new elections as Israel grapples with the coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic fallout.

“This is the time to clear aside everything, bring the state budget for swift approval so we can focus on the challenges of the economy and health system,” they say.

Deri, Litzman and Gafni don’t specify whether they back a budget for only the rest of the year or one that covers 2021 as well.