Controversial Israeli budget grants settlements and ultra-Orthodox cash.

Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has passed a new two-year budget that includes nearly $4 billion in discretionary funds, much of it for ultra-Orthodox and pro-settler parties. The budget has been criticized for increasing spending on religious programs that have little benefit for the economy and broader society. The vote passed with a 64-56 vote in parliament after daybreak, following weeks of tense negotiations between Netanyahu and the parties in his coalition. The budget is expected to deepen the divisions in Israel, with critics accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing his ultra-Orthodox allies over the broader population.