After three days and at the end of a long negotiation, the Bennett-Lapid government managed to pass the two-year budget for 2021-2022 in full Nov. 5. By approving the budget, the coalition succeeded in removing the threat of a new election, ensuring a period of political stability. The joy at the coalition over this achievement was clear as its members celebrated in the Knesset, clapping and patting each other on the back.
One of those celebrating was chair of the Islamic Ra’am Party Mansour Abbas, and for good reason. Abbas made history when he made Ra’am the first Arab party to join a coalition and take an active part in forming the Israeli government.
