Israeli legislators granted preliminary approval on Monday to an increase in the 2024 budget framework, aiming to support reservists and assist those displaced due to the conflict in Gaza. The backing came from ultra-Orthodox parties. The Finance Ministry reported that the vote to add 3.4 billion shekels ($906 million) to the 2024 budget was passed with a 58-52 margin. Ultra-Orthodox parties had previously threatened to boycott parliamentary votes over a dispute concerning funding for their distinct educational system. The bill requires two additional votes to be enacted into law. The disagreement with ultra-Orthodox parties serves as a test of the unity within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, following Hamas's attack on Israel in October last year. The two religious parties, which hold 18 of the 120 parliamentary seats, stated last week that they would not participate in plenary votes until the government agreed to provide schools in their separate education system with the same benefits as state-run schools, particularly their 'New Horizon' program, which extends school hours and significantly increases teacher salaries. A spokesperson for Moshe Gafni, leader of one of the ultra-Orthodox parties, mentioned that the faction had decided to vote in favor of the budget this time, though future votes remain uncertain. 'The budget adjustments will facilitate the conditions necessary for the ongoing continuation of the war against those who seek our harm,' stated Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, criticizing those who voted against. 'It would be beneficial if opposition members would join with national responsibility and vote in favor of continuing to fund the evacuees and reservists - this is a war for all of us together.' Israel has mobilized reservists during the Gaza war, and tens of thousands of Israelis have been displaced from homes in the north due to rocket attacks from the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.