Only a few know: The conversation with a senior Treasury official that could affect the future of the IDF for years to come
The joint committee for the defense budget will convene to discuss 14.7 billion shekels already agreed upon, but the dispute is broader: the defense establishment demands an additional 25 billion shekels and a force-building plan of 350-400 billion shekels over a decade. The Treasury is reluctant to commit to a multi-year plan during an election period, while Lapid demands cuts in coalition funds.
The joint committee for the defense budget will convene this morning to discuss 14.7 billion shekels already allocated to the defense establishment and currently in the process of being transferred through the Knesset. Senior representatives from the IDF, the National Security Council, and the Treasury are expected to participate in the discussion. The sum on the table is only part of the dispute: the defense establishment demands an additional 25 billion shekels and a force-building plan totaling 350 to 400 billion shekels over the next decade. In July, an agreement was reached on about 15 billion shekels out of a gap of about 40 billion shekels, with the remainder left for review. The Bank of Israel noted that increasing the defense budget by up to 25 billion additional shekels could increase the deficit and debt and put pressure on inflation. Lapid clarified that the opposition would support transferring budgets to the IDF but demanded cuts in coalition funds. The Likud responded that the scope of coalition funds is significantly smaller than the required amounts. The Treasury rejects the claim that they are delaying funds and is reluctant to lock in a multi-year plan during an election period. The IDF warns of harm to readiness, including a shortage of cloud storage space that led to file deletion, and possible damage to production lines for tank and artillery shells.