IDF Expands West Bank Presence Amid Funding Crisis

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced a temporary surge in Israeli forces in the West Bank as the fall Jewish holidays approach. The deployment will more than double the pre-October 7 force size of roughly 11 battalions, which has occasionally risen to 15–20 battalions. The Golani and Paratroopers brigades have been added to supplement units that the chief of staff says have shown “sympathy” toward Jewish extremist attacks on Palestinian villages. Zamir warned that without stronger governmental backing, even the enlarged force may be insufficient to maintain public order.

The Jerusalem Post

Zamir described the defense establishment as operating with “empty coffers,” a situation he said harms readiness. The Finance Ministry has delayed the transfer of an agreed NIS 15 billion and postponed a further NIS 25 billion, creating a shortfall that the IDF fears could slow missile and artillery production. The ministry contends the IDF should be more judicious with its spending, noting that the current defense budget—estimated at up to NIS 160 billion per year—is roughly double the pre-October 7 level. An additional injection of about NIS 40 billion is expected to raise the 2026 budget to NIS 184 billion, the second-highest in Israeli history after the NIS 188 billion spent in 2024. The Defense Ministry also carries approximately NIS 15.5 billion in debt to Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael and Elbit Systems.

The Jerusalem Post

Zamir linked the funding shortfall directly to operational risks, stating that the IDF’s readiness across multiple fronts—from Iran and Lebanon to Gaza—is compromised. The Finance Ministry responded that the disputed NIS 40 billion is part of the already-agreed NIS 160 billion budget and not a new request, urging the military to exercise greater fiscal prudence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently approved the additional funding after months of delayed decisions.

The Jerusalem Post

• “Unfortunately, these days we are also engaged in a battle over the budget,” — Gen. Eyal Zamir

YnetNews

Beyond the immediate budget settlement, the defense establishment is seeking approval for a multiyear procurement program estimated at NIS 350-400 billion, covering new aircraft, missiles, unmanned systems and naval platforms. The plan also anticipates potential changes to U.S. military assistance after 2028, underscoring the strategic importance of securing long-term financing while maintaining heightened readiness in the West Bank during the holiday period.

YnetNews