IDF faces funding crunch as chief warns of readiness risks

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has issued a stark warning over the military’s funding crisis, saying the shortage is already undermining operational readiness as Israel continues to face threats on multiple fronts.

“Unfortunately, these days we are also engaged in a battle over the budget,” Zamir said during a multi-front situation assessment. “At a time when the IDF and its personnel are stretched across all fronts, we are having to deal with ‘empty coffers.’ Such a situation harms the IDF’s readiness.”

The warning comes as the government prepares to provide roughly 40 billion shekels ($12 billion) in additional defense funding, potentially raising the 2026 defense budget to 184 billion shekels ($61.77 billion).

The funding dispute has highlighted tensions between the Defense and Finance ministries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich agreed last week on the additional allocation following months of disagreements over military spending.

Defense officials have warned that delays in funding could affect weapons production, including missile and artillery-shell manufacturing. The Defense Ministry also reportedly owes about 15.5 billion shekels to Israel’s three largest defense companies — Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael and Elbit Systems.

The additional funds are intended to replenish depleted weapons stocks, finance ongoing military operations and maintain readiness along Israel’s borders.

The defense establishment is also seeking approval for a broader multiyear procurement and force-building plan worth an estimated 350 billion ($117.9 billion) to 400 billion shekels ($134.7 billion). The program would include additional aircraft, helicopters, missiles, munitions, unmanned systems and naval platforms.

Zamir linked the financial challenges directly to Israel’s broader security environment, saying the IDF remains on high alert from Iran and Lebanon to Gaza.

He also ordered heightened readiness in the West Bank ahead of the upcoming Jewish holiday period, including placing an additional regular division on alert and preparing units for immediate reinforcement.

The IDF plans to maintain full operational staffing throughout the holidays, with no reduction in combat forces or suspension of operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva