The Knesset Finance Committee discussed a request to transfer NIS 393 million to the Prime Minister's Office on Monday.
MK Vladimir Beliak of the Together party, the opposition’s coordinator on the committee, spoke on 103FM and addressed the budget additions.
"This includes almost NIS 100 million for increasing security around the Prime Minister's Office and the Netanyahu family, including another NIS 12 million for security for the family," Beliak said, adding that he did not understand the need for it. "I am not saying they do not deserve security; I am only asking why another NIS 12 million is needed now, three months after the state budget was approved."
According to him, the money would come from other budget lines and reserves at the expense of essential services. "In the end, those who pay the price are education, health, welfare, and infrastructure. There are no other sources," he said.
Beliak also focused on another item that he found especially puzzling. "NIS 8.5 million is a very strange occurrence. It is intended for the security of former minister Dermer, who resigned in November 2025," he claimed. "This is an exceptional sum, two and a half times the usual amount for ministers' security. In addition, there are another NIS 25 million for Wing of Zion, which is really a bottomless pit."
Zamir's letter on draft law may allow change
Another issue raised in the conversation was the conscription law and the IDF chief of staff's letter regarding it. "This is a difficult period," the opposition lawmaker said. "There is now a debate over the Torah study law, which I consider a draft-dodging law. I see people in the coalition who are simply not part of the event; they do not understand its significance, or they understand it, and that is even worse. There are no red lines."
He nevertheless expressed hope for change following the chief of staff's warning. "This is a dramatic event. There are currently three or four Knesset members in the coalition, such as Sharren Haskel, Yuli Edelstein, and Dan Illouz, who are unwilling to take part. We understand that there is no possibility of defending the borders and maintaining our economy if this crazy event continues."
Toward the end, Beliak was asked about the media law currently being promoted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. He promised a legal fight if it is approved.
"It is likely the law will pass, but it will be struck down by the High Court of Justice because there are very significant flaws in the legislative process," he said.
The MK said he understood the process would not be easy, but expressed optimism. "Winning elections is not easy either, and we will still do it. We will form a different government here and fix many things together with Israeli society."