Opposition Leader Lapid Urges Netanyahu to Prioritize Israel's Security Budget

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene the joint defense budget committee and release funds for the Israeli military, amidst an ongoing budget dispute. Lapid criticized what he termed "cheap political election stunts" and the allocation of billions to coalition funds and draft evaders, urging instead a focus on national security. He proposed an immediate transfer of 11 billion shekels for urgent defense procurement, stating it could be achieved without raising taxes or exceeding the budget.

Lapid reiterated his support for bolstering the IDF, as previously conveyed to Netanyahu during a security briefing. However, he insisted that the funding should not come at the expense of middle-class taxpayers or reservists. Instead, he suggested canceling "corrupt coalition funds" and the billions allocated to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community for draft exemptions, promising support for the measure in the Knesset if these changes were made.

The Likud party dismissed Lapid's claims as "baseless and false," asserting that state revenues have exceeded expectations due to the government's economic policies, resulting in a lower-than-expected deficit. They argued that increasing the defense budget is possible without tax hikes and denied that coalition or Haredi funding amounts were as high as Lapid alleged, accusing him of prioritizing politics over Israel's security.

Minister of Defense Israel Katz urged Lapid to support the IDF's budget request, separating it from routine political disputes. He confirmed that the necessary funds are available in the treasury but require formal Knesset legislation, not tax increases. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yisrael" party, criticized the political echelon for ignoring the IDF's long-standing warnings about equipment, manpower, and budget shortfalls, drawing parallels to the period before the October 7th attacks.

The IDF has repeatedly warned that the budget stalemate is harming its readiness. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir recently described the situation as a "war over the budget" and a "empty coffer" impacting the military's ability to defend Israel. Reports indicate the crisis has led the IDF to halt the purchase of interceptors for defense batteries, with the military reportedly criticizing the Treasury for "writing the introduction to the next investigation committee."