Israeli Knesset to go on recess
Israel’s Knesset will break for recess today until it reconvenes on October 4.
The recess comes as Israeli President Naftali Bennett looks to plan his first official visit to the United States after being invited by President Joe Biden. Planning this trip poses difficulties for Bennett’s government, however, as former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition coalition has pledged to use Bennett’s absence to vote down any proposed legislation and to pass their own instead. To avoid these issues, expect the visit to be postponed until mid-September.
Once the Knesset reconvenes, expect discussions to focus heavily on the newly proposed state budget for 2021-2022 and its accompanying Economic Arrangements Bill (EAB). This marks the first time Israel’s cabinet has proposed a budget since 2018, signaling a step forward in government stability. Additionally, the EAB seeks to make sweeping reforms, including opening the country to more imports, reducing the cost of living and gradually raising the retirement age of women from 62 to 65, among others. Expect heavy opposition from Netanyahu’s coalition, however, once discussion begins. If no budget is approved by the Knesset before November 4, the sitting government instantly dissolves and new elections must be held, which will give Netanyahu a chance to reclaim power.
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