Heading to Glasgow, Bennett says ‘desperate’ opposition will fail to foil budget

Before departing for the UN climate summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expresses confidence that the state budget is going to pass following discussions this week, despite “desperate” attempts by the opposition to prevent that and effectively topple the government.

In a short address that includes no references to the climate crisis or an option to answer reporters’ questions, Bennett says: “Here in Israel we expect a crazy week, which will get wilder every day the closer the vote on the budget gets. The moment the budget passes, it gives the government stability for several years. The implication for the opposition is that it will fall apart and crumble to pieces. They understand this. They’re desperate. They are desperate to bring down the budget and bring about a fifth election [since April 2019].”

“Therefore, we expect the week of big fake news,” he continues. “There is nothing they won’t do this week to bring down the budget and lead to fifth elections. But I want to calm everyone. They are wasting their efforts. The budget will pass.”

“The budget will pass because Israel needs stability,” Bennett continues. “The budget will pass because the country needs good, calm management. The budget will pass because no one wants to return to the endless elections cycle.”

Bennett asks coalition lawmakers to be patient over the coming week and avoid trouble on the way to the passage of the budget.