By a majority of 64 to 31, the Knesset passed the state budget for 2008 last night. The budget totals NIS 314 billion. The budget was passed after MK Reuben Rivlin withdrew his amendment calling for an allocation of NIS 150 million for civil defense works in Sderot and settlements near the border with the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert overcame this final obstacle to the budget with a promise of NIS 50 million to be spent on defense of Sderot and the other communities near Gaza.