Demand for billions added: the sharp confrontation between the Treasury and Defense Ministry

The Defense and Finance Ministries are in a sharp confrontation over a multi-billion shekel budget. The Defense Ministry argues that the new security reality requires massive investment in force building, while the Finance Ministry accuses them of exploiting the election period for a budget spin. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to decide.

The Defense and Finance Ministries are in a sharp confrontation over a multi-billion shekel budget increase, against the backdrop of an election period and ongoing security threats. The Defense Ministry and the IDF argue that the new security reality since October 7 requires massive investment in force building, equipment, and military rehabilitation. They note that a government approval for a budget increase of over 30 billion shekels from March has yet to be implemented, and that the IDF's buildup has stalled. They also warn that without payment for the procurement of new attack helicopters, the Americans will transfer the production line to another army. On the other hand, the Finance Ministry claims that the IDF and the Defense Ministry are exploiting the complex security reality and the election period for a budget spin. A Finance Ministry official says that the dispute must not be turned into an "election carnival." Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to decide, after meeting with opposition leader Yair Lapid, who requested to transfer the money from coalition funds. The article takes a clear stance against Lapid, describing his conduct as an "irresponsible political escape."