Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman on Sunday morning, 17 Adar, once again reiterated that he will not support the state budget until such time the new draft law has been passed.

In an interview with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), Litzman explained that they only fall into line when the chareidim are needed, hence the draft bill will have to be passed ahead of the budget for once the budget is passed, they will revert to mocking the chareidim.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu last week met one night with leaders of the chareidi factions in Knesset, including Litzman, and while PM Netanyahu signaled there was progress, he does not agree and is not moving forward with the budget until the draft law is resolved.

The chareidi faction leaders have signaled they will stand firm and refrain from backing the budget until the draft law is resolved.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)