Trump's Caprices and Games with Iran Increase Israel's Defense Spending by Billions of Shekels

Trump's repeated backdowns from threats against Iran (TACO) cost Israel billions of shekels: each emergency mobilization costs hundreds of millions. Military spending rose from 39 to 51 billion shekels. The army faces a shortage of 12,000 conscripts, with 65,000 reservists on duty instead of 40,000. The Defense Ministry awaits promised 40 billion, but funds have not arrived.

US President Donald Trump's repeated backdowns from his own threats against Iran, dubbed TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out), are costing Israel dearly. Each time the White House signals a possible resumption of military action, the Israel Defense Forces must urgently put troops on high alert. Even if fighting does not break out, the price of one such alert is hundreds of millions of shekels. Over the past weekend, Israel came closest to resuming war with Iran after Trump's statements on Truth Social. Preparations included the urgent call-up of Air Force pilots, strengthening air defenses, and putting intelligence units on alert. However, by the night of Saturday to Sunday, August 2, Trump changed his rhetoric and announced a return to negotiations. Military spending has risen from 39 to 51 billion shekels. The army faces an acute manpower shortage—about 12,000 conscripts are missing. About 65,000 reservists are on duty daily instead of the planned 40,000. The Defense Ministry expects a budget increase of 40 billion shekels, which would bring it to 183 billion, but the funds have not yet arrived.