Billions Promised to Defense System Unpaid Amid Political Stalemate
Tens of billions of shekels promised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the defense establishment have not yet been transferred, with defense officials now demanding the political leadership release the funds. The money is reportedly stuck in the approval process of the Knesset Finance Committee, with little chance of being transferred before the current Knesset's term ends. The decision is expected to fall to the next government.
The delay comes as defense industries report billions of shekels in debt owed by the Ministry of Defense. This debt could potentially impact production lines and the operational capacity of these companies.
Earlier on Monday, Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid clashed over the transfer of these funds. Netanyahu sought to amend the budget law to release the additional funds. Lapid stated he would support the move but demanded Netanyahu reallocate the money from coalition budgets and funds designated for the ultra-Orthodox public.
In response, the Likud party accused Lapid of "abandoning Israel's security for cheap political considerations."
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