Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israeli army’s deputy chief of staff warned that the military is facing a budget deficit of approximately 40 billion shekels, emphasizing that this funding shortfall could directly impact the army’s readiness and its ability to carry out operational missions in the coming period.
The military official explained that increasing security needs, coupled with rising costs of military operations, armaments, and maintenance, have placed significant pressure on the army’s budget, necessitating additional funding to ensure the continuation of defense programs and development plans.
He noted that the continued deficit could lead to the postponement of several military modernization projects, the reduction of training programs and exercises, and impact the procurement of equipment and ammunition, as well as the strengthening of logistical capabilities—elements the army considers essential for maintaining combat readiness.
He added that the military leadership is consulting with the Ministry of Finance and relevant government agencies to explore mechanisms for bridging the funding gap, emphasizing that the security challenges facing Israel necessitate providing the armed forces with the necessary resources without delay.
These warnings come amid continued high military spending due to security tensions and ongoing operations on multiple fronts, which has increased pressure on the public budget and sparked discussions within political and economic circles regarding spending priorities in the coming period.
Observers believe that addressing the budget deficit will be one of the most prominent issues facing the Israeli government, given the need to balance security requirements with economic pressures, in order to maintain the efficiency of the armed forces and their continued readiness to confront regional challenges.
