IDF Chief Criticizes Finance Ministry Over Budget Shortfall Amid Heightened Security Alert

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir publicly criticized the Finance Ministry on Thursday for what he described as a "empty treasury" during a multi-front security briefing. Zamir highlighted the challenge of maintaining military readiness amid budget constraints, stating that the lack of funds harms the IDF's preparedness as tensions rise ahead of the Jewish holidays.

Zamir announced an increase in alert levels, particularly in the West Bank, where he ordered the deployment of an additional regular division to strengthen forces in the area. This move, which would divide security responsibility between two divisions, aims to improve command and control amid rising tensions in Judea and Samaria. The chief of staff also noted ongoing high alert across other fronts, including Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza, emphasizing that the IDF will maintain full operational readiness throughout the holiday period.

The budget dispute comes after recent talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which agreed on raising the defense budget to 183 billion shekels, nearing historic highs. However, government discussions on this increase have stalled, with no formal decisions presented to the cabinet. The Finance Ministry has warned of the need for tax hikes and painful budget cuts in 2027, decisions pending the new government.

Tensions between the IDF and the Finance Ministry escalated further following reports that the Finance Ministry's Accountant General, Michal Abadi-Boiangiu, blocked Zamir's decision regarding severance payments to military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. This led to a formal protest from Tomer-Yerushalmi's civilian lawyer over withheld funds, highlighting the strained relations between the military and the finance authorities.

Zamir stressed that the IDF's sole focus remains Israel's security and vowed not to be distracted by budgetary disputes, underscoring the military's commitment to readiness despite financial challenges.