IDF warns budget delay will force reserve, intelligence cuts beginning in September
The IDF warns that delayed defense funding will force reserve and intelligence cuts, undermine preparations for Iran, and threaten US arms contracts beginning in September.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) faces severe budget cuts starting in September due to the Finance Ministry's delays in transferring funds, according to senior military officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the Finance Ministry to promptly fulfill its financial commitments. The IDF's first response will be a significant reduction in reserve forces, particularly in the Northern and Southern Commands.
This decision was made despite heightened tensions and security warnings in the West Bank Division. Simultaneously, the IDF will cut intelligence gathering efforts, especially in the third circle, which relies on space-based capabilities and expensive technological systems. The IDF is also preparing for potential escalations with Iran and other threats in the third circle, necessitating regular training and spare parts.
If the Finance Ministry fails to transfer the funds, additional cuts are anticipated, affecting procurement contracts with US companies that produce munitions for Israel's air, land, and naval forces. The IDF chief of staff has placed an extra division on alert in case reinforcements are required during the upcoming holiday. The Finance Ministry had initially promised to transfer NIS 15 billion, but later withdrew this commitment.
The IDF is concerned it will lose a year of work on force buildup and ongoing operations if the budget is not transferred promptly.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
