According to Israel 's Haaretz newspaper , the planned budget included between 13 and 15 billion shekels in cuts , with wage reductions for public sector workers and infrastructure projects to be slashed . Israel needs a `` responsible budget with a long-term outlook , '' Netanyahu says . The prime minister also said that he would not allow the Palestinians to use their U.N. status as an excuse for continuing settlement building. Netanyahu says the election will help Israel face its economic and security challenges . Israel was not due to hold elections for another year .
Israel needs a `` responsible budget with a long-term outlook , '' Netanyahu says . The prime minister also said that he would not allow the Palestinians to use their U.N. status as an excuse for continuing settlement building. Netanyahu says the election will help Israel face its economic and security challenges . Israel was not due to hold elections for another year .