IDF Chief Warns Budget Crisis Threatens Military Readiness Amid Regional Tensions

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated on Thursday that one of the Israeli military's main challenges currently is financial, highlighting an ongoing struggle over the defense budget. He described the situation as facing an "empty treasury" at a time when the IDF is under high tension across multiple fronts, which he said harms the army's operational readiness.

Zamir outlined the broad security challenges Israel faces, mentioning efforts to enhance combat protocols across various arenas including Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza, while maintaining a high state of alert against multi-front threats. In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, he ordered the reinforcement of forces in the West Bank by raising the readiness level of an additional regular division headquarters and preparing immediate deployment of units and battalions to strengthen the area.

He emphasized that the entire IDF will maintain full, multi-front operational readiness during the holidays, with no reduction in combat forces or operational capabilities. Zamir stressed that the sole focus remains on defending Israel's security and warned against distractions that could undermine military preparedness. Additionally, he instructed limitations on attacks in the Gaza Strip.

The article also briefly notes that Zamir apologized to the United States following a leak of sensitive information by former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, which the IDF denied.