IDF Demands Additional 25 Billion Shekels to Prepare for Potential Iran Conflict

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are urgently requesting an additional 25 billion shekels in funding this year, following a prior commitment from the National Security Council for an extra 40 billion shekels, as reported by Kan News on Thursday evening. Of the committed funds, 12 billion shekels have already been transferred to the military, with the IDF awaiting an additional 3 billion shekels. A senior IDF official warned that without this funding, they would have to halt reserve recruitment in the Northern and Southern Commands, reduce intelligence gathering operations, and would be unable to adequately prepare for a potential renewed conflict with Iran.

Other senior military officials emphasized that national security cannot be maintained without the necessary budget. Beyond the annual budget, the IDF has received assurances of 350 billion shekels for procurement over the next 13 years (2027-2040). Seventy billion shekels have already been allocated toward acquiring F-35 and F-15 squadrons, helicopters, and space projects. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the allocation of 100 billion shekels, but the IDF is demanding an additional 180 billion shekels to continue long-term procurement processes.

A senior IDF source added that the incoming government after the elections will have four months to finalize the budget, warning that if the budget is not set by July 2027, it would result in a lost year. Without the budget, the military’s readiness would collapse, leaving the country vulnerable amid hostile neighbors. Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff has warned of an "empty treasury," while the Finance Ministry responded that the budget has been tripled. Despite Netanyahu’s announcement, the IDF is preparing to reopen the Erez Crossing next week.