Israel Approves Over $250 Million for Apache Helicopters, Cuts Arab Society Programs
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The Israeli government will transfer over 1 billion shekels to expedite Apache helicopter payments, funded primarily by cuts to Arab society development programs between 2027 and 2029. The defense establishment is also seeking over 2 billion shekels more, which is expected to be financed by cross-ministry budget reductions this year.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's government will transfer over 1 billion shekels for Apache helicopter payments.
- Funding for the helicopters will come from cuts to Arab society development programs.
- Budget cuts for Arab society programs will occur between 2027 and 2029.
- The defense establishment requires an additional 2 billion shekels.
- The additional funds will be sourced from cross-ministry budget cuts this year.
The Israeli government is set to approve a transfer of over 1 billion shekels (approximately $270 million) to expedite payments for the Apache attack helicopter deal. The majority of this funding, 964 million shekels, will be sourced from cuts to the five-year plan budgets allocated for the development of Arab society in Israel.
These budget reductions will be implemented between 2027 and 2029. Specifically, 169 million shekels will be diverted in 2027, followed by 342 million shekels in 2028, and 453 million shekels in 2029. An additional 68 million shekels will be reallocated from interest payment provisions in 2026. In total, the transfer amounts to 1.032 billion shekels.
This financial maneuver is intended to accelerate payments for the acquisition of advanced Apache combat helicopters. The Ministry of Defense has requested these expedited payments.
In parallel, the defense establishment is seeking an additional sum exceeding 2 billion shekels. The government is expected to fund this request through broad budget cuts across various ministries within the current year.
