Payments to reservists since the beginning of the war have exceeded 100 billion shekels

According to the formula adopted by the defense department, every 10,000 reservists a year cost the economy about five billion shekels. However, during peak months, the cost of reservist salaries alone reaches three to four billion shekels per month.

In 2026 alone, costs for the reservist service are projected to reach about NIS 30 billion.

These data were presented as part of the struggle between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance over the defense budget, the ynet portal reports. At the moment it is 143 billion shekels, while the Ministry of Defense insists on the need to add another 30 billion shekels.

In addition to the high cost of reservists, the army points to the high rate of wear and tear of military equipment, which is outpacing the possibilities of repair and replenishment. As a result, hundreds of vehicles now sit without engines due to parts shortages and lengthy repair times, and hundreds of Hummers in the light mobility fleet are out of service.

The defense department also points to rising arms prices on the global market, where they have to compete for resources with Ukraine, NATO countries and the countries of Southeast Asia.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the retention of three security zones is more than 500 square meters. km in Lebanon, more than 220 sq. km in Gaza, as well as in Syria, along with tensions on the eastern border – requires long-term budget planning and a defense budget of 140-150 billion shekels per year.