IDF Faces Severe Shortages, Readiness Threatened by Funding Delays

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are experiencing a significant crisis due to a shortage of spare parts, ammunition, and resources needed to maintain combat readiness, according to Israeli military correspondent Avi Ashkenazi writing for the newspaper Maariv. The army is facing severe financial and logistical difficulties that are impacting its operational capabilities.

The primary cause of the crisis is the delay in allocating promised additional funds for the military and the Ministry of Defense. Despite agreements for supplementary financing, a substantial portion of the pledged money has not yet been received, directly affecting the condition of military equipment.

In response to the funding shortfall, the IDF has decided to disband several tank battalions due to a lack of funds for spare parts. Additionally, hundreds of Humvee armored vehicles damaged during operations in Lebanon remain unrepaired. The intelligence directorate is also affected, with limited cloud storage space forcing the deletion of old data and the inability to save new materials, including satellite imagery.

The defense industry is also facing critical issues. Elbit's production line for Merkava tank shells may soon halt, with artillery and mortar ammunition production expected to cease in October and November, respectively. A military source stated, "We don't know how to maintain the production line for tank shells right now." Defense sector companies are also struggling, with IDF debts exceeding 15 billion shekels due to payment delays, forcing them to curtail projects like drone countermeasures and interception systems.

Maintenance contracts are in limbo due to insufficient funds, and the rate of equipment wear and tear is reportedly outpacing repair capabilities. "The war is exhausting us greatly," a military source told Ashkenazi.

While the initial 2026 IDF budget was 143 billion shekels, ongoing military actions have led to increased expenses. An agreement was reached to raise the combined budget for the army and Ministry of Defense to 183 billion shekels, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also ordering an additional 40 billion shekels in three installments. However, the first 15 billion shekel payment, due in August, has not been fully disbursed, according to the defense establishment. The Knesset is expected to discuss an additional 11 billion shekels soon, though the Ministry of Finance reportedly opposes the full release of previously agreed-upon sums.

Financial constraints are also impacting personnel, with the intelligence directorate terminating contracts for soldiers transitioning to initial permanent service due to a lack of funds. Ashkenazi highlights the particular danger of this situation given the need to maintain readiness on multiple fronts, including Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Lebanon, and against Iran.