1.2 billion shekels donated to the IDF since 10/7 - but soldiers are still raising equipment on their own

ynet reveals: more than 1.2 billion shekels have been donated to the IDF since October 7, according to data from the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers. The unprecedented sum was allocated to equipment, infrastructure, and soldier welfare, but soldiers testify that they still have to raise private donations for basic gear, weapon sights, and uniforms. Background: the battle over the defense budget between the Treasury and the defense establishment.

ynet publishes preliminary data from the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers, according to which more than 1.2 billion shekels have been donated to the IDF since the October 7, 2023 attack. This is an unprecedented sum, directed mainly to equipment, base infrastructure, camp outfitting, ambulance purchases, assistance to lone soldiers and bereaved families, and funding a resilience center for post-trauma. However, the article reveals a significant gap: soldiers and reservists testify that they still have to raise private donations for basic gear such as uniforms, shoes, helmets, and weapon sights. A reservist from the David Division said: "We organized the uniforms, shoes, and helmets ourselves. Everything came from donations we collected." In the northern sector, soldiers raised funds for drone defense nets. The data is published against the backdrop of an escalating conflict between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense over the defense budget, currently standing at 143 billion shekels. The Treasury claims no additional funds are needed, while the defense establishment warns of harm to procurement capability.

1.2 billion shekels donated to the IDF since 10/7 - but soldiers are still raising equipment on their own