$206 billion budget is a win for Benjamin Netanyahu

A spending plan approved by Israel's parliament hands

PM

Benjamin Netanyahu a political victory and devotes a significant chunk to military spending, signaling

Israel

expects to stay on a war footing for the longer term. The $206

billion

budget was approved

Tuesday

with 66-52 votes.
The passing of the budget has political as well as financial implications. Had it failed to pass by end of the month, parliament would have been disbanded. That would have set off early polls. Now, Netanyahu has greater leeway to set his govt's priorities, at home and in Gaza.