Israelis protest outside parliament as state budget approved

Israel's parliament has approved the 2025 state budget a move that solidifies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.

The passage of the budget has led to heated protests.

On Tuesday, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed the state budget for 2025 with a vote of 66 to 52.

This narrowly met the March 31 deadline, avoiding potential snap elections.

However, the budget's passage was met with public dissent.

Families of hostages held in Gaza protested outside the parliamentary chamber, displaying photos and signs referencing the hostages captured during a Hamas attack in October 2023.

Meanwhile, the Israeli finance minister referred to the budget as a "budget of war," emphasizing its focus on national security amid resumed military actions against Hamas in Gaza.