IDF Warns of $10 Billion Budget Deficit Threatening Operational Readiness

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have alerted the government for nearly a year to a severe budget crisis jeopardizing its operational capabilities, but have not received an adequate response, according to a Ynet analysis. The military is now requesting an additional 40 billion shekels (approximately $10 billion) to fund operations, replenish stocks, and continue developing its capabilities. With elections approaching, any significant budget modification requires opposition support. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have consequently asked the head of the IDF's Planning Directorate to brief opposition leader Yair Lapid on the situation.

After almost three years of conflict, the IDF faces significant wear and tear on its stocks, systems, and personnel, while simultaneously preparing for multiple threats from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria, and Yemen. Defense officials cited by Ynet stated that funds allocated thus far have primarily covered immediate needs and ongoing operations, failing to address shortfalls in replenishing military capabilities. Shortages reportedly include munitions, missiles, production capacities, and certain acquisition programs, potentially disrupting production lines of Israeli defense companies without a finalized budget.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has reportedly warned that "the coffers are empty," and his deputy, Tamir Yadai, has stated that existing measures to cope with the funding shortage are actively harming the IDF's current readiness. This situation could force the military to slow its operational readiness recovery, postpone long-term programs, and suspend infrastructure projects related to its new defensive posture.

The Ynet analysis criticizes the government for waiting until the situation became critical before acting, despite repeated warnings from the IDF. The requested amount necessitates changes to the budget framework and new legislation. If the funds are not approved before the elections, the IDF may have to wait for the formation of the next government, a process that could take about six months, during which it would manage difficulties by postponing programs, reducing expenses, and slowing capability enhancements.

Yair Lapid has expressed willingness to increase the defense budget but insists it should not be funded by new taxes on the middle class and reservists. He proposes using coalition funds and budgets he claims are allocated to exempting Haredi men from military service. The Likud party rejected these claims, asserting that increased state revenue would fund the IDF's needs without tax hikes, and accused Lapid of misleading the public. Lapid's office stated he would support the transfer of funds if their source were altered. Defense Minister Israel Katz urged the opposition leader to support the IDF's request, citing regional realities. Gadi Eisenkot, a leader of the Yashar! party, supported Lapid, accusing the government of ignoring defense officials' warnings and calling for coalition funds to be redirected to the military.