IDF Chief of Staff Demands Urgent Budget Solution in Classified Letter

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has sent a classified and urgent letter to top Israeli political and security officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The letter, titled "Advancing an Urgent Budgetary Solution for the IDF to Fulfill Its Missions," demands an immediate resolution to the military's budget crisis and the transfer of tens of billions of shekels to the defense budget.

Finance Minister Smotrich responded that his ministry has prepared the necessary legislative and governmental groundwork but is "awaiting direction from the Prime Minister to proceed." Smotrich also suggested that Halevi approach opposition leaders to garner support for the legislation, noting that in a democracy, legislation requires a Knesset majority and that the country is currently in an election period. The outgoing coalition, however, holds a parliamentary majority, raising questions about Smotrich's request for the IDF chief to seek opposition backing, potentially drawing him into political maneuvering before elections.

This demand comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Defense and Finance ministries over an increase of tens of billions of shekels for the defense budget. The Defense Ministry argues the additional funds are necessary for maintaining multiple fronts, rearmament, and replenishing supplies, warning of immediate operational consequences if the funding is not provided. Conversely, the Finance Ministry contends the military incurs old expenses, lacks transparency, is wasteful, and resists efficiency improvements.

The Defense Ministry aims for an annual defense budget of approximately 120 billion shekels over the next decade, which would represent about 20% of the state budget and 6% of the GDP. Bank of Israel has previously warned against the unchecked growth of the defense budget. The Defense Ministry considers this 120 billion shekels a "minimum necessity" for ongoing security needs, with significant combat operations requiring additional funding. For instance, the 2027 defense budget is expected to be higher due to approximately 15 billion shekels in residual costs from Operation "Lion's Roar."

Further claims from the Defense Ministry include that the Finance Ministry is withholding budgets and delaying explicit directives from political leadership, impacting the operational readiness of combat units and the procurement of munitions. Specific examples cited include doubts about fulfilling the Apache helicopter deal with the U.S. Army, the inability to repair and refurbish damaged tanks, and a suboptimal number of interceptors in Israel's possession.