Israel: State of Emergency Extended Until December 2025

The Knesset, Israel’s unicameral parliament, approved the extension of the state of emergency until December 16, 2025.

This provision allows for regulations to be made that do not constitute an emergency and allows the Cabinet to make regulations ignoring the vote of Parliament. Also voted on was a bill that increases Israel’s deficit limit to 7.7% of GDP from the current 6.6%, boosting the budget by about $9 billion to cover huge defense spending.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Christmas Eve, addressing Christians (there are about 185,000 of them in Israel, or 1.9% of the population) and explaining that Israel is fighting the “forces of evil.” “You have steadfastly, consistently, and vigorously supported us while Israel defends our civilization from barbarism. We seek peace with all who wish peace with us, but we will do whatever is necessary to protect the only Jewish state, the repository and source of our common heritage.”

And in Bethlehem is Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem, who will traditionally celebrate Christmas Mass.