Media: Israel’s national debt rises by $140 billion due to war

The military operations Israel has been conducting since October 7, 2023, have increased Israel’s national debt by around $140 billion, The Marker reports, citing estimates by Israeli experts.

The outlet said the cost is expected to rise to $167 billion in the near future.

Over the next 10 years, the country could spend approximately $500 billion on defence.

Meanwhile, annual US military aid worth $3.8 billion is expected to be completely phased out from 2029.

A significant portion of the costs is linked to the large-scale mobilisation of reservists and high ammunition consumption.

Around 220,000 reservists were called up in the first days of the war, compared with roughly 6,000 under normal circumstances.

To finance the rising costs, the authorities have already increased taxes by around $12 billion in 2025.

Further tax hikes are expected after the upcoming elections amid rising defence spending and uncertainty over US assistance.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov