IDF Chief Warns Budget Crisis Threatens Military Readiness Ahead of Holidays

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, issued a stark warning on Thursday about the impact of budget constraints on the IDF's operational readiness. Speaking during a multi-front situation assessment, Zamir announced an increase in military alertness ahead of the upcoming holiday period, emphasizing heightened preparedness across all fronts including Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Zamir highlighted the particular tension in the West Bank and ordered reinforcement of forces in the area, instructing the deployment of an additional regular division headquarters and immediate activation of units and battalions to strengthen the region. He stressed that there will be no reduction in operational readiness during the holidays, stating, "The IDF will maintain full multi-front alertness; there will be no operational downgrading or reduction in forces."

Alongside the security preparations, Zamir addressed the ongoing budget dispute, explicitly warning that the "empty treasury" is harming the IDF's readiness at a time when forces are already stretched across multiple fronts. He concluded by affirming that the defense establishment will focus solely on its operational missions, saying, "We are engaged in defending the security of the State of Israel, and this is the only consideration before us. We will not be distracted by issues that could divert our focus and readiness."