The cabinet has approved the 2015 budget after a marathon debate that began yesterday afternoon and went on late into the night. 20 ministers voted in favor and only Minister of Environmental Protection Amir Peretz voted against. Most of the ministers did not bother to stay until the vote at 1.30 am and left a note recording their vote. Only five people were present for the vote: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Yair Lapid, Welfare Minister Meir Cohen, Justice Minister Tsipi Livni and Pensions Minister Uri Orbach. Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett was abroad. RELATED ARTICLES Amir Peretz: 2015 budget is anti-social The 2015 budget will amount to NIS 328 billion, NIS 12.5 billion more in real terms than the 2014 budget. The budget includes a one-time amount of NIS 4.3 billion for the Defense Ministry to finance strengthening and developing the required means following Operation Protective Edge. The budget deficit target is 3.4%. Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 8, 2014 © Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2014 .
