Story perspectives

Israel delays fighter-jet contracts over funding shortfall

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Finance Ministry is delaying fighter-jet, munitions and space procurement contracts because of a funding shortfall.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered NIS 12 billion and NIS 3 billion for the purchases, which remain unpaid.
The Defense Ministry says the IDF faces a NIS 40 billion gap for reserve-duty payments.
Defense officials warn that without contract signatures within two weeks Israel could lose production slots, and a Knesset recess and elections could further delay deals.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Finance Ministry is delaying fighter-jet, munitions and space procurement contracts because of a funding shortfall.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered NIS 12 billion and NIS 3 billion for the purchases, which remain unpaid.
The Defense Ministry says the IDF faces a NIS 40 billion gap for reserve-duty payments.
Defense officials warn that without contract signatures within two weeks Israel could lose production slots, and a Knesset recess and elections could further delay deals.