Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has strongly criticized the proposed 2026 state budget, following an agreement between the Defense and Finance Ministries that allocates a significant sum for defense spending. Lapid accused the government of approving what he called a 'budget of corruption and draft-dodging,' claiming that the costs associated with exempting certain groups from military service would lead to higher taxes for citizens. He also condemned the government's refusal to close unnecessary offices or eliminate controversial coalition funds. Lapid promised that a future government under his leadership would redirect resources to working citizens who pay taxes and serve in the military.