Israel’s multiple wars see finance, defence ministries clash over spending
Summary
Israel’s Finance and Defence ministries are in conflict over the rising costs of Israel’s ongoing wars. The military warns that without more funding, the country’s security could be at risk as fighting continues in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and potential conflict with Iran.Key Facts
- Israel is involved in multiple ongoing conflicts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and possible future conflict with Iran.
- The Defence Ministry wants an extra 15 billion shekels ($5 billion) added to the 2026 budget, raising it to 184 billion shekels ($60.8 billion).
- This defence budget is nearly the highest ever, second only to the 188 billion shekels spent during the first year of the war in Gaza.
- The Finance Ministry is concerned that military spending could take up almost one-third of Israel’s total government budget.
- The Defence and Finance ministries have long disagreed on how much to spend and how to manage military costs.
- The military warns that budget shortfalls could reduce reserve forces and scale back intelligence operations.
- Political divisions, especially involving Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his far-right party, add complexity to budget discussions.
- Israeli politicians face pressure from different voter groups who have conflicting views on military spending and the occupation of the West Bank.
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