Defense Minister Urges Support for IDF Budget Increase Amid Political Dispute

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has entered the debate over the defense budget, urging swift approval of the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) request for additional funding. Gallant stated that the resources are crucial for financing increased reservist stipends, acquiring munitions, and restoring the army's operational readiness. The call comes amidst a disagreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition leader Yair Lapid regarding the budget's funding.

Lapid has proposed that the additional funds be sourced by canceling coalition funds and budgets allocated to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) sector. He expressed support for strengthening the IDF but opposed raising taxes on the middle class and reservists to finance it. "I am for the proposal and support the transfer of funds, because the IDF needs to be strengthened, but the budgetary source cannot be tax increases for the middle class and reservists, which is where you are leading," Lapid stated.

Conversely, the Likud party rejected Lapid's proposal, accusing him of prioritizing "cheap political considerations" over national security. The party asserted that state revenues have exceeded expectations, making it possible to increase the defense budget without raising taxes. Likud claimed that current allocations to coalition funds and the Haredi sector are unprecedentedly high.

A spokesperson for Lapid's office countered the Likud's claims, stating that the Likud is "lying again and abandoning the country's security." The spokesperson reiterated that Lapid supports transferring funds to the defense establishment, citing a closed-door meeting where this was communicated in the presence of IDF representatives.

Gallant directly appealed to Lapid, emphasizing the dramatic security challenges facing Israel and the need for immediate decisions. "The regional reality does not allow us to wait: threats are developing, our enemies continue to act, and we must ensure that the IDF is prepared and equipped for any development," Gallant said. He warned that delaying the necessary resources could directly impact the IDF's readiness and the security of Israeli citizens.