Netanyahu Seeks Defense Budget Boost, Opposition Demands Cuts to Haredi Funding

A sharp political dispute has erupted over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to increase the defense budget by amending the existing budget law, a move requiring opposition consent during an election period. Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed general support for bolstering the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but conditioned his party's approval on the funding source.

Netanyahu updated Lapid on security matters and requested his support for opening the budget law to allocate additional funds to the defense establishment. Lapid affirmed his support for strengthening the IDF and increasing its budget, but insisted the funds should not come from raising taxes on the middle class or reservists. He demanded the cancellation of coalition funds and reiterated accusations against the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public and Torah study budgets, labeling them as "funding draft evasion."

The Likud party and those close to Defense Minister Israel Katz vehemently rejected Lapid's claims, asserting that state revenues exceed forecasts and the deficit is lower than expected, allowing for a defense budget increase without tax hikes. They also dismissed Lapid's statements regarding coalition funds and budgets for the Haredi sector as "baseless," claiming such amounts have never been allocated. The Likud accused Lapid of "cheap political considerations" and endangering Israel's security.

Lapid's office responded that the opposition leader had stated in a closed meeting, in the presence of IDF representatives, his support for transferring funds to the defense system and providing the IDF with necessary tools. However, they reiterated the demand to fund the increase by cutting "corrupt coalition funds" and billions allocated annually to "Haredi draft evasion."

Defense Minister Israel Katz also appealed to Lapid, urging him to support the IDF's request for a budget supplement through agreed-upon Knesset legislation. Katz stated the resources are needed for increased reservist pay, border security, munition procurement, restoring IDF readiness, and expanding domestic defense industries. He warned that delays could directly impact the army's preparedness and national security, emphasizing that the requested supplement does not necessitate tax increases or cuts elsewhere, as sufficient funds exist in the treasury but require formal legislation.

Katz recalled Lapid's support for necessary spending during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was opposition leader, suggesting a similar approach now without linking security needs to ongoing political disputes. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, joined Lapid's stance, citing years of IDF warnings about shortages in munitions, personnel, and budget. Eisenkot drew parallels to the period preceding the October 7th Hamas attack, accusing the government of ignoring security warnings and echoing Lapid's call to cancel coalition funds for the military.