The political trap - and the price for the IDF: the cuts already on the way

Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Tamir Yadai, failed to convince opposition leader Yair Lapid to approve an increase in the government budget deficit to transfer funds to the IDF. Lapid demanded in return the cancellation of coalition funds. Due to the delays, the IDF will be forced to cut reserves, contracts, and major commitments until June 2027, and small defense industries may shut down production lines.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Tamir Yadai, failed to convince opposition leader Yair Lapid to approve an increase in the government budget deficit to transfer necessary funds to the IDF and the Ministry of Defense. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Lapid to approve an addition of 25 billion shekels, of which 15 billion are awaiting approval from the Finance Committee. Lapid supported the proposal but demanded the cancellation of coalition funds. Due to the delays caused by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Finance, the IDF will be forced to make painful decisions: sharp cuts in reserves, cuts in contracts, and non-execution of major commitments until June 2027. Small defense industries are already not supplying raw materials and may shut down production lines and lay off workers. There are concerns about disconnecting generators in outposts and stopping garbage collection. The article presents the crisis as a direct result of political conduct and the Ministry of Finance, while emphasizing the operational and industrial price.