Knesset Security Committee Chair Demands Immediate Defense Budget Transfer from Finance Ministry

Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, sent an urgent letter on July 21, 2026, to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanding the immediate transfer of agreed defense budget funds to the Ministry of Defense. Bismuth highlighted a multi-billion shekel shortfall, noting that the approved 143 billion shekel defense budget and an additional 40 billion shekel supplement, including 12 billion shekels promised for immediate transfer by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have yet to be disbursed by the Finance Ministry.

Bismuth warned that the failure to transfer these funds jeopardizes the Israel Defense Forces’ readiness and operational capability. He emphasized that the lack of budget implementation undermines the Defense Ministry and IDF’s plans to restore military readiness, replenish stockpiles, procure weapons, and maintain production lines for critical platforms, which could also cause economic inefficiencies.

Sources familiar with the situation criticized the Finance Ministry’s handling of the matter, describing it as irresponsible at best and disgraceful at worst, accusing it of ignoring clear directives from the Prime Minister. Bismuth reportedly expressed surprise during a committee discussion that the funds had not been transferred, prompting his urgent letter to Smotrich.