When the government of Israel budgeted about $28 million to observe the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state, it was probably hoping that its fractious citizens would set aside their troubles and come together in an outpouring of national pride.

Instead, a month before Independence Day, Israelis are wrangling over how extravagantly the country should celebrate, and at what cost.

Many acknowledge the state’s outstanding achievements, pointing to the absorption of immigrants, the high-tech boom and Israel’s very survival against unfavorable odds.

But the decade seems to be ending in an uncharacteristically somber mood, with more and more Israelis evincing deep-seated disillusionment with their leadership and the way the country is run.