Gov't diverts NIS 1b from Arab society to defense
The move follows a financing dispute that derailed a $1 billion deal for 12 Boeing helicopters and adds to a widening defense budget gap.
- Israel's government approved a NIS 1.03 billion budgetary adjustment on Wednesday to fund the Apache helicopter purchase from Boeing, allowing the defense establishment to proceed after financing negotiations stalled.
- Last week, the roughly $1 billion Apache deal from Boeing collapsed after The Finance Ministry rejected financing solutions for the approximately $288 million gap, prompting the defense establishment to seek alternative funding.
- To enable the purchase, the government implemented an across-the-board budget cut of approximately NIS 2.6 billion, with Ministers told the allocation was necessary for "urgent defense procurement that cannot be delayed."
- Most of the NIS 1 billion earmarked for the Apache purchase will be reallocated from funds allocated to Israeli Arab society's five-year development plan, drawing political criticism despite government claims of "urgent security need."
- Despite this approval, Defense Ministry officials warned the government faces a severe NIS 40 billion budget shortfall for 2026, describing the current allocation as a "drop in the ocean" compared with establishment needs.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Pentagon have signed an agreement to purchase 12 Apache helicopters manufactured by the American company Boeing for the Israeli Air Force
The Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Pentagon have signed an agreement to purchase 12 Apache helicopters manufactured by the American company Boeing for the Israeli Air Force.As part of the agreement, the security system will receive 12 Apache-type...
This command aims to modernize the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force in the face of regional threats
Israel plans to cut Arab development funds for 'classified' defense purchases
Another 2.6 billion shekel cut is planned for an urgent defense need. The Finance Ministry's legal adviser says defense officials warned that delaying procurement could undermine Israel's defense response
Israel seeks urgent billion shekel purchase of Apache helicopters, diverting Arab sector funds
The Finance Ministry told the Post that close to a billion shekels earmarked for the Apache helicopter purchase would be diverted from funds allocated to a five-year plan to develop the Arab sector.
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