Lapid Agrees to Defense Budget Increase Only if Funded by Coalition Monies

Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that during a security briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he demanded that any additional funds for the defense establishment come from coalition funds and budgets allocated to the ultra-Orthodox sector, rather than from tax increases. Lapid conveyed that Netanyahu had requested to amend the budget law to transfer more money to defense during their meeting.

"I am in favor of the proposal and support the transfer of funds because the IDF must be strengthened," Lapid said. "However, the budgetary source cannot be tax hikes on the middle class and reservists, which is where you are leading. Instead, include in the proposal the cancellation of corrupt coalition funds and the tens of billions of shekels you are currently transferring to fund the ultra-Orthodox draft evasion, and we will support the proposal in the Knesset as well."

The Likud party responded, stating that Lapid was misleading the public regarding the defense budget and that his claims were baseless and false. They asserted that state revenues were higher than expected due to the government's economic policy, resulting in a lower-than-expected deficit. Therefore, the defense budget could be increased without any tax hikes. Likud also dismissed Lapid's argument about coalition funds and ultra-Orthodox budgets, claiming such sums were never allocated, not even close. The party accused Lapid of abandoning Israel's security for cheap political considerations.