Israeli Lawmakers Unanimously Approve 2026 Defense Budget of NIS 143 Billion Amid Regional Conflict

The Knesset Joint Committee unanimously approves the 2026 defense budget, allocating NIS 143 billion for combat needs, rehabilitation, and future force building.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 12:41 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Unanimous Approval of Record Breaking Defense Expenditures

The Joint Committee for the Defense Budget, a specialized body of the Foreign Affairs and Defense and Finance Committees, has officially cleared the 2026 defense budget. The primary allocation of NIS 143 billion is supplemented by an additional NIS 22 billion in income-dependent expenditure, which includes critical American aid grants. Furthermore, the committee authorized NIS 82.2 billion in commitments for future spending, reflecting the high financial demands of maintaining sustained military operations on multiple fronts.

Funding Combat Readiness and Post-Conflict Social Support

A significant portion of the newly approved funds is designated specifically for combat and operational needs as the war with Iran and Hezbollah continues. Beyond the front lines, the budget directs NIS 10 billion to the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department to support wounded veterans. Additionally, approximately NIS 2.7 billion is earmarked for the Families and Commemoration Department, ensuring long-term support for the relatives of fallen soldiers and the maintenance of national memorial sites.

The Strategic Pivot to a Decade Long Force Building Plan

Parallel to the 2026 approval, Israeli ministries are currently finalizing a multi-year strategic plan valued at NIS 350 billion. This initiative, spanning a decade starting in 2027, aims to overhaul the defense establishment’s "force building" capabilities. The National Security Council is collaborating with the Finance and Defense ministries to secure this funding, with NIS 50 billion expected to be generated through internal efficiency measures within the defense sector itself.