IDF Chief of Staff Urges Urgent Budget Increase in Classified Letter

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir 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 allocation of 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 to maintain operational capabilities, rearm, and replenish supplies.

Finance Minister Smotrich responded that his ministry has prepared the necessary governmental decisions and legislative drafts to adjust the budget but is awaiting the Prime Minister's directive to proceed. Smotrich also proposed that Zamir approach opposition leaders to garner support for the legislation, suggesting that in a democracy, legislation requires a Knesset majority. He offered to explain the urgency and importance of the legislation to opposition heads and secure their commitment to support it.

This proposal comes despite the outgoing coalition holding a majority in the Knesset capable of passing the required legislation, raising questions about Smotrich's request for the Chief of Staff to engage the opposition, potentially drawing him into political maneuvering 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 funds are essential for ongoing operational commitments, rearmament, and stock replenishment, warning that delays could immediately impact operational readiness. The Finance Ministry, however, disputes these claims, accusing the IDF of inefficient management and a lack of transparency.

The Defense Ministry aims to set an annual defense budget target of approximately 120 billion shekels for the next decade, representing 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.