IDF Chief of Staff Urges Netanyahu, Finance Minister for Urgent Defense Budget Increase

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi sent an urgent, classified letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, demanding immediate action to transfer tens of billions of shekels to the defense budget. The letter, titled "Promoting an Urgent Budgetary Solution for the IDF to Fulfill Its Missions," highlights the critical need for these funds.

Finance Minister Smotrich responded that his ministry has prepared the necessary groundwork, including government decisions and draft legislation, but is awaiting the Prime Minister's directive to proceed. Smotrich also proposed that Halevi directly approach opposition leaders to garner support for the legislation, suggesting Halevi explain the importance and urgency of the funding to them and secure their commitment to vote for the bill. This suggestion comes despite the outgoing coalition reportedly holding a majority in the Knesset to pass the required legislation, raising questions about the motive behind involving the IDF chief in political negotiations during an election period.

The dispute between the Defense Ministry and the Finance Ministry over the defense budget has intensified in recent months. The defense establishment argues that the additional tens of billions of shekels are essential for maintaining operational readiness, rearmament, and replenishing supplies, warning that a failure to allocate the funds could immediately impact operational capabilities. The Finance Ministry, however, disputes these claims, accusing the IDF of inefficient management and a lack of transparency. The Defense Ministry is reportedly seeking a defense budget target of approximately 120 billion shekels annually over the next decade, which would represent about one-fifth of the state budget and 6% of the GDP. Bank of Israel has previously cautioned against a continuous increase in the defense budget without corresponding adjustments in other sectors.