The Israeli Parliament approved the 2026 budget on Monday, March 30, which significantly increases resources allocated to defense, at a time when the country is engaged in a multi-front conflict.
– Context: Israel’s budget for defense has been increased amidst ongoing conflicts. – Fact Check: The budget approved is for 2026, not 2025 as mentioned in the content.
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The Parliament stated, “In the framework of budget updates, and considering the operation ‘Roaring Lion,’ over 30 billion shekels (around 8.3 billion euros) have been added to the Defense Ministry budget, bringing it to over 142 billion shekels.” The Knesset members approved the budget with 62 votes for and 55 against. The proposed total expenditure for 2026 is approximately 850 billion Israeli shekels, around 235 billion euros.
Defense spending in the country has been escalating since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, following the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, within Israeli territory. Israel has also been conducting attacks against Iran since February 28 and in Southern Lebanon.
During the debates preceding the vote, Finance Minister from the far-right, Bezalel Smotrich, described the moment as a “historic turning point” for Israel, “redefining both our security and economy approach.” He further stated, “We have the ability to reshape the Middle East. This budget positions the nation to succeed.”
In contrast, the main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, labeled this budget as the “largest theft in the state’s history.” He accused the government of allocating six billion shekels of coalition funds to themselves for corruption and avoiding military service.
Yair Lapid had previously criticized the government for its handling of the conflict with Iran and highlighted delays in passing a law allowing the mobilization of ultra-Orthodox Jews, who are largely exempt from military service. This law aligns with the demands of a majority of Israelis who increasingly oppose exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, relying on the support of ultra-Orthodox parties to stay in power, has been maneuvering to delay the adoption of this law. Additionally, the increase in defense spending will lead to a 3% reduction in all other ministries, as pointed out by Yair Lapid.
Despite this, Netanyahu’s government has approved a significant increase in funds reserved for ultra-Orthodox and settlers to secure their support. Ultra-Orthodox parties will receive over 652 million euros additional for the private schools they control.
Source: AFP/VNA/CVN
