The Advisory Council of the Ministry of Finance and Planning Begins Discussion on the Exceptional Budget for 2026

SadaNews - Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Istefan Salama presented the outlines of the 2026 budget to the members of the ministry's advisory council, taking into account the exceptional circumstances the country is going through. The budget includes zeroing out spending on developmental projects and sharply reducing capital expenditures, as well as any other expenditures not directly related to the continued provision of essential services, particularly in education, health, and security. It also emphasizes increasing local revenues through tax equity, combating tax evasion, and smuggling without impacting various segments of Palestinian society or raising taxes on them.

This took place during the second session of the council, chaired by Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Istefan Salama, which was attended by several former ministers of finance and planning, representatives from civil society and the private sector, in addition to a number of experts.

This discussion is part of the Ministry of Finance and Planning's vision to expand social consultations on the draft budget law and the potential scenarios amid the continued complete withholding of tax revenues by the Israeli government from clearance funds for the tenth month, and the fluctuation of international aid values.

The draft budget for 2026 considers various scenarios, including the continued complete withholding of clearance funds. It introduces a provision for emergency funding, in light of expectations of emergencies requiring direct government intervention.

Dr. Salama emphasized that the exceptional budget for 2026 will be open for the widest community discussion concurrently with its discussion in the Cabinet before being submitted to the President for approval. He indicated that the Ministry of Finance and Planning will take public comments with seriousness and interest.
Members of the advisory council presented numerous ideas for the existential financial crisis budget aimed at maintaining the provision of essential services to ensure the resilience of Palestinian society.

Both parties agreed to continue discussion sessions until the legal deadline for approving the budget at the end of next month.