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Israel’s parliament ratified the 2026 national budget in the early hours of Monday, signalling a major shift toward long-term military readiness.
The Knesset passed the measure with a 62-55 vote, securing the government’s stability and avoiding the immediate threat of snap elections.
The approved fiscal plan sets total national expenditure at approximately 850 billion shekels ($270 billion), reflecting the immense economic weight of the country’s ongoing multi-front conflicts.
A central feature of the new budget is a substantial $10 billion increase in defence spending, largely driven by the requirements of “Operation Roaring Lion.”
This surge brings the total military allocation to over 142 billion shekels ($45 billion), more than doubling the defence budget compared to pre-2023 levels.
The funding is intended to sustain high-intensity operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon and against Iranian interests while replenishing critical munitions and advanced defence systems.
The passage of the budget follows weeks of intense domestic debate over fiscal priorities and the distribution of funds to coalition partners.
Despite significant opposition and a 3% cut to civilian ministries, the ruling coalition successfully consolidated support to ensure the military remains fully funded as the regional war continues.
This legislative victory allows the government to focus on its security objectives throughout the remainder of the year.
