Netanyahu Seeks Security Budget Boost, Lapid Accused of Political Maneuvering

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested opposition leader Yair Lapid's support to open the state budget for an additional allocation to the defense establishment. Netanyahu met with Lapid, along with senior IDF officials, to seek his agreement, as passing major legislation before elections often requires opposition consent. However, Lapid has been accused of using the defense funding issue for political gain, presenting an incomplete picture to the public.

Lapid initially refused Netanyahu's request, stating that coalition funds should be allocated to defense. This argument is disputed, as coalition funds amount to only one to two billion shekels, while the defense establishment is seeking nearly 30 billion shekels.

Furthermore, Lapid has publicly expressed willingness to approve a separate 12 billion shekel transfer to the defense ministry, which was submitted by the Treasury to the Knesset Finance Committee about six weeks ago. This transfer does not require opposition approval and can proceed through Knesset committees or, if necessary, be advanced by the Knesset Speaker. Critics argue Lapid is portraying this as a significant concession, while it is a move that can be completed regardless of his support.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supports opening the budget for the defense increase, citing tax surplus revenues that would allow the addition without exceeding the deficit target. Smotrich has indicated that recent economic management allows the state to provide the necessary resources for defense, despite his criticisms of the defense system's conduct.

The article contends that while debates about the defense budget size and priorities are valid, the public must be presented with the full picture. The 12 billion shekel transfer, which Lapid is willing to support, is distinct from the larger budget increase Netanyahu is seeking approval for, a distinction Lapid is accused of obscuring.