Israeli budget vote could give Netanyahu stability after rocky start to term

By JOSEF FEDERMAN
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is preparing to pass a new budget. If the vote passes, it could bring some stability to his coalition after a rocky start. It also could clear the way for it to press ahead with its religious, pro-settlement agenda. But while the expected passage of the budget could buy Netanyahu some quiet inside the coalition, it also is expected to deepen the divisions in Israel. Critics have accused Netanyahu of increasing spending on his ultra-Orthodox allies for religious programs that have little benefit for the economy and broader society. Ahead of the late-night vote, Netanyahu rejected the criticism.