IDF Chief of Staff Demands Billions, Finance Minister Redirects Him to Opposition

A budget dispute between the defense establishment and the Treasury has escalated, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir sending an urgent, classified letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. In the letter, published by N12, Zamir demanded the immediate transfer of tens of billions of shekels to the defense budget to resolve the ongoing fiscal crisis.

Finance Minister Smotrich responded by stating his ministry had prepared the necessary legislative groundwork, including a government decision and draft laws, but was awaiting the Prime Minister's directive to proceed. Smotrich then suggested Zamir approach the opposition leaders directly. He explained that in a democracy, legislation requires a Knesset majority, and given the election period, Zamir should explain the urgency of the defense funding to opposition leaders and secure their commitment to support the bill.

Smotrich's suggestion is notable because the outgoing coalition holds a majority in the Knesset, making opposition support technically unnecessary for passing the legislation. This has led to speculation that the move is intended to draw the Chief of Staff into the political arena during an election campaign.

The underlying dispute has persisted for months, with the defense establishment and the IDF seeking tens of billions of shekels to cover increased security demands, rearmament, and restocking of supplies. The defense system warns of immediate operational consequences if the additional funding is not provided. Conversely, the Treasury accuses the IDF of including old expenses in its demands, operating without transparency, being wasteful, and resisting efficiency improvements.