The Israeli government has approved the allocation of 2.6 billion shekels for “urgent defense procurement”

Israeli government ministers approved the allocation of 2.6 billion shekels for “urgent defense procurement” during a telephone vote.

As Itamar Aichner wrote on the Ynet website, we are talking about a reduction in one of the budget items, which is actually issued as an interim loan against the state budget, which has already been approved by the government and is awaiting approval in the Knesset within the next two weeks.

The need for such a step is explained by the intensity of hostilities. The document said there was an “urgent and immediate operational need” including the procurement of ammunition, modernization of weapons and the replenishment of critical combat stocks.

As follows from the draft government decision, “taking into account the emergency situation facing the State of Israel,” it is proposed to “allocate the amount of NIS 2.6 billion to the Ministry of Defense in 2026 for urgent and vital defense procurement for the needs of war.” At the same time, the document provides for a reduction of expenses for interest and commissions by 1.5 billion shekels, as well as a reduction in the budgets of ministries by another 1.1 billion shekels.

Kan Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Israeli government approved in an urgent telephone survey an additional budget sequestration of 1 billion shekels to finance classified defense procurement. Details about which items the new reduction will be made from are not provided in the message. It is emphasized that the purchases are of a secret nature and are framed as an urgent measure against the backdrop of the ongoing war.