The cabinet during the predawn hours approved the 2009 state budget in a 13-12 vote, with one abstention.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert remained firm in his commitment to pass the budget, unwilling to adjourn the meeting, confident that he and Finance Minister Roni Bar-On were capable to turning the opposition into supporters.

After adding funds for the public security ministry, Minister Avi Dichter signaled his support, and an addition NIS 300 million for the senior citizens won over the Pensioners Party. Other concessions succeeded in gaining the marginal support and at the end, the budget passed in what most view as Olmert’s last political success as prime minister.

Labor and Shas ministers opposed the budget, as did Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz. Chaim Ramon abstained.

Olmert’s success in passing the budget is viewed as yet another blow to Labor leader, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, whose popularity continues to fall in the polls.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)