IDF warns fighter jet, munitions deals delayed by budget dispute with Finance Ministry
The IDF and Defense Ministry warn that failure to sign critical procurement deals within two weeks could cost Israel production slots for fighter jets, munitions, and space programs.
Budgetary disputes between the IDF and the Finance Ministry are causing delays in critical procurement deals, including fighter jets, munitions, and space programs. The IDF's budget shortfall is estimated at around NIS 40 billion, primarily due to operational expenses and payments for reserve duty days. The shortage has led to reserve soldiers serving an average of 51,000 per day, surpassing the target of 45,000.
The Finance Ministry is demanding that the government advance legislation increasing the numerator, a budgetary oversight mechanism. This delay is stalling contracts for NIS 131 billion with defense industries, which would fund the purchase of two fighter jet squadrons and a second F-15 squadron. The government has transferred NIS 15 billion but is yet to transfer the remaining NIS 25 billion, as per Finance Ministry demands.
Talks with US companies and the US Defense Department to defer payments until 2030 have not yielded progress. Defense officials warn that if contracts are not signed within two weeks, production lines might be allocated to other countries.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
