Yesh Atid Files First No-Confidence Motion Against Gov’t Since War’s Inception

By Aryeh Stern

Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid has initiated a no-confidence motion against the government on grounds of budget allocation, marking the first such motion since the onset of Israel’s war against the Hamas. The NIS 55 billion ($14.5 billion) budget, passed on Monday, includes a NIS 9 billion ($2.4 billion) supplemental package for reservists, the regular army, and their families, with additional funds designated for strengthening the civilian front and aiding evacuees.

Yesh Atid argues that the budget prioritizes unnecessary offices and coalition funds over support for evacuees, reservists, and the overall sense of security. In a statement, the party declared, “This government cannot continue to exist. It is a failure that costs human lives and the future of the country.”

Accusing the government of neglecting crucial war management in favor of internal disputes, Yesh Atid condemns the approval of what it deems a “shameless budget.” The opposition party’s move follows an announcement by Likud MK and coalition chairman Ofir Katz, allowing Knesset members to resume submitting private bills, which had been put on hold during the war.

Yesh Atid’s no-confidence motion is part of a broader discontent, with the Labor Party also announcing its intent to submit a similar motion next Monday. The Labor Party criticizes the government’s lack of focus on the captive soldiers and the prolonged conflict with Hamas, asserting, “There is no trust in a government that cares about its own corrupt interests and not those who give their lives for it. This is a government in which there is no confidence. It should be overthrown.”