Coalition agreements with the various parties carry a hefty price tag, close to NIS 6.5 billion, a figure which experts report is unprecedented, a new record-breaker.

The daily Yediot Achronot provides the following cost analysis regarding coalition agreements.

Shas and Yahadut HaTorah: Funds for yeshivos, kollelim, girls high schools, assistance for lower-income families – NIS 1.5 billion.

Monthly child allowance payments – NIS 1.5 billion.

Yisrael Beitenu: housing and work benefits for new immigrants, free university tuition for discharged IDF soldiers, funds for the Foreign Ministry, Housing Ministry and other offices – NIS 450 million.

Labor Party: NIS 2.5 billion broken down as follows – NIS 950 million for elderly pensions, NIS 200 million to subsidize daycare, assistance for those on unpaid vacation from their jobs NIS 1.15 billion, professional training NIS 160 million, extending the period of unemployment benefits and increased assistance for factory workers of businesses closing down NIS 50 million.

Expected agreement with Bayit HaYehudi: NIS 300 million.

Treasury officials are alarmed at the sum, realizing in the coming weeks, the treasury will be compelled to begin cutting operating budgets for many ministries to compensate for the sum which well exceeds the current state budget.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)