Members of the Knesset are holding plenary discussions on the budget this evening (Wednesday), in preparation for the vote that is expected to take place on the night between Thursday and Friday.
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Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Prime Minister Bennett's attacks, and in his remarks during the budget debates in the plenum, he delivered a speech in which he repeatedly slammed the leaders of the coalition.
""Thousands of Israelis gathered from all over the country for a powerful democratic demonstration. There was one very moving moment, when they waved their illuminated phones aloft and sang as one, 'We came in darkness to expel.' Well, we came in darkness to expel - but instead of being able to bless 'for miracles,' we receive in this budget 'for taxes,' tax increases and harsh decrees," Netanyahu said.
""It's typical that the lying government always does the opposite of what it promised. Bennett promised to lower taxes. We're all lucky that there's no tax on Bennett's promises, otherwise Israel's economy would have collapsed for generations. They're raising taxes on soft drinks, disposable tableware, a tax on the periphery that they call the dirty name 'congestion tax.' These are taxes that create severe discrimination against the weaker classes and the ultra-Orthodox society and against the periphery.".
Netanyahu added: "The middle class and the weak families will pay much more from today. But unlike them, you actually cared about the rich. They will be able to split apartments and build housing units in their villas. You didn't care about our soldiers. You promised to raise their salaries and you didn't raise them by a shekel. Your government of lies promised to lower prices. In reality, you are raising prices. Fuel is going up, electricity is going up, public transportation is going up, fruits and vegetables are going up. Everything is getting more expensive. Everything is going up except for Bennett's mandates...""
Netanyahu attacked the Foreign Minister. "Lapid went on a jihad against coalition funds. In fact, you doubled the coalition funds. Lapid also attacked the Norwegian law and today, with Bennett, brought a world record in the number of Norwegian intellectuals. Lapid attacked the KKL and said that it is a conduit for transferring money to parties. Now he has appointed his sister-in-law to the KKL board of directors. It has been said about this - the signature does not indicate his sister-in-law.
""With all my experience in politics, I never imagined that the money of Israeli citizens would be transferred from the budget to the Islamic Movement's non-profit organizations. Huge capital. Is it any wonder that Hamas and Abu Mazen want this budget to pass?""
He turned to Bennett again: "In this prime minister, there is someone who promised not to sit with Meretz and Lapid, that he would form a right-wing government and not sit with Ra'am. That he would not be appointed prime minister with less than ten seats. Bennett lied to the public, lied to his voters, lied to all citizens of Israel. This is the reason why something amazing is happening here: only four months after the formation of this bad government, Bennett barely passes the threshold, if at all.".
He mocked the prime minister: "Bennett took the second largest delegation in the world after the US to the climate conference. In this delegation, Bennett had more companions than voters. And for what? For Bennett, a gray shirt. He takes pictures in the hallway with leaders who don't even count him...""
He said, "Hundreds of Israelis who feel cheated are returning home today and coming to Likud and the real right-wing parties. They want to see the government fall. They want a real government, not a reality government. This bad government is a strange hybrid between marriage at first sight and survival. A group of people who have no real connection, who everyone knows won't last long, and whose only thing holding them back is the desire for 15 minutes of false and fleeting fame.".
""I address those in the coalition we have spoken to in recent days. We have seen you shrink in discontent and shame because you know the truth. You sold all your principles for a short-lived job. History does not forgive Alex Goldfarb and that is what you are.".
