Netanyahu: Two-year budget will lead to significant 'decrees and cuts'

Addressing the ongoing coalition clash over the budget, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says at the start of the Likud weekly faction meeting that a two-year budget, as demanded by Blue and White — and as stipulated in the agreement between the two parties — “will lead to significant [economic] edicts and cuts. This is not the time for cuts, this is time to keep funds flowing to people.”

He adds, “The moment demands unity. Nobody wants elections and there’s no reason for elections.”

If the coalition fails to pass a budget by August 25 the government will automatically be dissolved and new elections will be called.

Blue and White believes Netanyahu has pivoted to demanding a one-year budget for the remainder of 2020 only in order to leave the window open for an election next year.