Netanyahu doubles down on his demand to quickly advance a one-year budget.
His coalition partner Benny Gantz is insisting on a two-year budget in accordance with the coalition agreement, raising the prospect that early elections could be called amid the stalemate.
“There is no reason this shouldn’t happen. There is no reason to condition the budget on political considerations,” says Netanyahu.
“The budget is ready. We can bring it to the cabinet tomorrow” and avoid elections, he says.
“The government doesn’t need to fall. The budget could pass tomorrow,” he adds.
“We don’t need elections, we need a budget. And we can pass it tomorrow.”
The prime minister also lashes out at the protesters against him, dismissing claims against police.
“Never have so few received such huge coverage,” or been treated with such kid gloves, says Netanyahu.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, August 2, 2020
