IDF requests additional $5.4 billion for Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2

The Knesset is reviewing a proposal to allocate an additional budget of approximately 31 billion shekels ($8.4 billion), of which 29.8 billion shekels ($8.0 billion) is earmarked for defence needs. Lawmakers are expected to approve the supplementary funding.

The additional tranche is linked to prolonged fighting in the Gaza Strip, unforeseen expenses during Operation Lion's Roar, and overspending in the IDF’s budget, reports in Israeli media indicate.

However, the approval comes amid a budget dispute between the Ministry of Finance and the IDF over financing Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2.

The IDF is requesting an additional 20 billion shekels ($5.4 billion) to fund this operation, including 8 billion shekels ($2.2 billion) already allocated in 2025. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance’s budget department believes only 4 billion shekels ($1.1 billion) can be allocated this year.

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told the Knesset Finance Committee: “The IDF recently requested additional funds for ‘Gideon’s Chariots 2.’ I do not yet have a clear personal position, but the basic position of the Ministry of Finance is as follows: the budget for 2025 has been approved, which includes expenses for three months of intense fighting in Gaza. However, there was no fighting due to the exchange deal.”

He added that he wants to accelerate negotiations so that, if necessary, a new supplement can be presented alongside the current budget increase.

Smotrich sharply criticised the IDF’s approach: “The army, as usual, is requesting high funding and taking advantage of opportunities, but this time the IDF will easily get everything it wants.” He noted that after Operation Lion’s Throat, the IDF requested additional funding of between 60 and 100 billion shekels ($16–27 billion).

Tensions between the security establishment and the Ministry of Finance are expected to continue in the coming years, with the defence sector’s budgetary position significantly strengthened after 7 October.

The Ministry of Finance commented: “The amount of funding related to Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2 is being worked out by both the security agencies and the Ministry of Finance. It depends on the development of hostilities and various scenarios. As for 2025, we believe that the supplement currently being discussed in the Knesset is sufficient to implement the plans in the current situation.”

On September 16, the Israel Defence Forces confirmed that the military had entered a new phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2 in the Gaza Strip, aimed at capturing Gaza City and eliminating militants and military infrastructure in the northern part of the city.

By Tamilla Hasanova