Finance Minister Smotrich Urges Netanyahu to Include IDF Wounded Rehabilitation in Defense Budget Amid Planned Protest

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday demanding the immediate inclusion of rehabilitation programs for wounded IDF soldiers in the multi-year defense budget plan. Smotrich praised the extensive defense plan, which allocates approximately 350 billion shekels for military buildup and strengthening, but emphasized that the welfare of injured soldiers must not be overlooked. He criticized the exclusion of recommendations from the Mor Yosef Committee, established to improve rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers, from the current budget framework. Smotrich stated, "The strength of the IDF is measured not only by technology and equipment but primarily by its people," and called for a shift in resource allocation priorities to address medical, psychological, and bureaucratic challenges faced by wounded veterans. The letter was sent amid preparations for a large protest planned by the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization outside the government meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday. The organization claims that excluding wounded soldiers from the budget violates commitments made to them and warned of a "national disaster" if the Mor Yosef Committee's recommendations are not immediately approved and funded. Organizers accused the Finance Ministry of abandoning wounded soldiers and reneging on promises. Smotrich's office clarified that the letter was intended to support the veterans' struggle rather than respond directly to the planned demonstration. The Finance Ministry expressed willingness to assist in developing the necessary budgetary mechanisms to implement the rehabilitation initiatives. This development occurs in the broader context of Israel's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities following recent security challenges.