Israel halts interceptor missile purchases over budget dispute — media
In Israel, a dispute between the Defense Ministry and the Finance Ministry has halted purchases of interceptor missiles for air defense systems. Anadolu Agency reports, citing Israeli media.
Dispute over 15 billion shekels
According to Channel 13, the subject of the dispute is 15 billion shekels, or about $4.92 billion, which the military believes should have been transferred to its budget.
The Finance Ministry disputed this assessment. It said the funds are not needed for urgent operations and should be used to cover debt accumulated without approval. The first payment of 15 billion shekels was due in August, but it has still not been transferred.
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Impact on military operations
At the beginning of September, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that the financial crisis was already affecting military operations in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon. The broadcaster also reported a shortage of spare parts.
Israel's initial military budget for 2026 was 143 billion shekels, or $47 billion. According to the public broadcaster, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered it increased to 183 billion shekels, or $60 billion, after Israel's attacks on Iran and Lebanon.
At the end of August, Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir acknowledged the budget dispute and said the military was also conducting a campaign over funding.
