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Netanyahu Pushes for Defense Budget Reopening Amid Fiscal Standoff
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Netanyahu Calls for Defense Funding Increase
During a security briefing on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked that the state budget be reopened to allocate additional resources to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Opposition Conditions and Fiscal Debate
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, said he would not support any proposal that required tax hikes on the middle class or reservists. Lapid added that he generally supports increasing the defense budget but rejected funding sources that would burden taxpayers.
Prime Ministerial candidate Gadi Eisenkot, who leads opposition polling, echoed Lapid’s stance, arguing that the government could meet the IDF’s needs by redirecting coalition and draft-evasion funds.
Budget Figures and Financial Context
The 2026 state budget approved in March set an expenditure cap of about NIS 699 billion. The Defense Ministry’s allocation was initially nearly NIS 142 billion, which the government said was increased by roughly NIS 32 billion because of the war.
Official Statements & Responses
Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that the “economic situation is good” and that the necessary funds are available, emphasizing that the proposal is not linked to tax increases. He warned that delaying resources could affect the IDF’s readiness.
The Likud party countered Lapid’s claims, stating that state revenues are higher than expected, the deficit is lower, and that the defense budget can be raised without tax hikes. Likud also labeled Lapid’s allegations about coalition and haredi-sector funding as “unfounded,” saying no such amounts have been allocated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But the budgetary source cannot be raising taxes on the middle class and reservists, which is where you are leading,” — Yair Lapid
- “The regional reality does not allow us to wait. The threats are developing, our enemies continue to act, and we must ensure that the IDF is prepared and equipped for any development,” — Israel Katz, defense minister
- “The argument regarding coalition funds and budgets for the haredi sector is also unfounded. There have never been such amounts allocated to coalition funds and the haredi sector, and they have not even come close to those figures,” — Likud
- “Opposition leader Lapid is right. If the Netanyahu government wants a solution, it could meet all of the IDF’s needs until the elections, shut off the flow of coalition funds, and transfer the money from political associates and draft evaders to the IDF,” — Gadi Eisenkot