‘We’re dealing with empty coffers’: IDF chief takes aim at Treasury over funding

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has harshly criticized the Israeli Treasury for the military's funding crisis, stating that the IDF is effectively operating with "empty coffers" and that the shortage is already impacting readiness. The warning comes as the government prepares to inject roughly 40 billion shekels, around $12 billion, into the defense establishment, which would raise the 2026 defense budget to 184 billion shekels, the second-highest in Israel's history.

Zamir's remarks highlight the growing tension between the defense establishment and the Finance Ministry, which delayed the transfer of funds due to distrust over the military's forecasts and spending demands. The military argues that the funding gap is already causing operational consequences, such as potential slowdowns in missile and artillery-shell production and mounting debt to defense manufacturers.

The additional funding is aimed at replenishing depleted weapons stocks, covering ongoing military activity, and maintaining readiness, while also seeking approval for a larger multiyear procurement and force-building program estimated at 350 billion to 400 billion shekels. The IDF is preparing for potential changes in U.S. military assistance arrangements after 2028 and is maintaining full operational staffing throughout the upcoming holiday period.