This story originally appeared in the JC’s Israel briefing newsletter. You can sign up to the free daily email briefing here.
The Israeli government has approved NIS 2.6 billion (£629 million) in cuts to fund urgent defence procurement, as the military continues to operate across multiple fronts and facing a severe shortage of soldiers.
The 4.9 per cent across-the-board cuts, approved yesterday, will affect ministries including education, health, welfare and transport. Coalition funding – money allocated to fulfil political agreements made between the prime minister's party and coalition partners – has not been touched, with little a week before Israelis head to the polls in what is arguably the most consequential election in the country’s history.
The decision follows mounting pressure from the defence establishment for additional funding after nearly three years of sustained fighting. The IDF has warned that its operations across several fronts are placing increasing demands on its resources and personnel.
The military is seeking a further NIS 25 billion (£6m) to cover defence spending, with the wider security establishment estimating that it needs around NIS 40 billion (£9.7bn) in additional funding to meet operational requirements.
If the full additional sum is approved, the defence budget for 2026 could reach NIS 183 billion (£44bn), according to reports.
The funding dispute has also threatened major procurement deals, including the planned purchase of 12 Apache attack helicopters from the United States.
The manpower crisis is adding to the pressure. The IDF has previously identified a shortage of approximately 15,000 personnel, including 8,000 combat soldiers, while reservists have been called up repeatedly to sustain operations.
Opposition politicians have criticised the government for protecting coalition allocations while cutting public services.
The finance ministry has warned that additional defence funding will come at the expense of other public spending.
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.