IDF and Defense Ministry Demand Increased Budget to Build Protective Outposts in Gaza and South Lebanon

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Ministry of Defense are in a sharp dispute with the Finance Ministry over the 2026 budget, demanding an additional 40 to 45 billion shekels. This increase would raise the annual defense budget to between 183 and 188 billion shekels, compared to the originally planned 112 billion shekels. The Defense Ministry warns that the budget impasse is causing critical shortages in spare parts for tanks, armored personnel carriers such as the Namer and Eitan, and naval vessels, leading to the shutdown of a significant number of operational military systems.

Furthermore, construction of military outposts and bases along the "yellow lines" in Gaza and southern Lebanon has been frozen. Defense officials say this freeze compromises soldiers' ability to operate and protect themselves in these sensitive border areas. Without a timely budget agreement, production lines for artillery shells will halt, and reservists may be released despite operational needs. The Defense Ministry also claims future procurement from the United States could be jeopardized.

Earlier, Amir Baram, CEO of the Defense Ministry and a retired general, criticized the Finance Ministry at the Herzliya Conference. He stated that Israel's long-term military buildup is dangerously delayed and accused the Finance Ministry's Budget Department of treating the current security situation as a "passing accounting event," undermining the government's ability to implement decisions on long-term force development.