Emergency defense budget to be presented for approval by Israeli government

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich have agreed to present an emergency supplement to the defense budget for government approval, aimed at urgently purchasing combat equipment and ammunition for the IDF. The supplement is estimated at 25 billion shekels, which will increase the 2026 defense budget to 184 billion shekels.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have agreed to present an emergency supplement to the defense budget for government approval. This step is aimed at urgently purchasing combat equipment and ammunition for the IDF. A senior government source estimated the supplement at approximately 25 billion shekels, which will increase the 2026 defense budget to a record 184 billion shekels. The initiative must receive approval from the government's legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, and will be brought to a vote in the parliamentary finance committee and at an extraordinary plenary session of the Knesset. It is noted that the state budget deficit stands at 3.3%, significantly below the 4.9% limit, so the step will not require tax increases or cuts in ministries. However, approving emergency expenditures during an election period is prohibited by law, creating a legal obstacle for this initiative.