As the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its third week, Israel has authorised an emergency budget of $827 million (2.6 billion shekels) for military procurement, according to local press reports.
Haaretz reported that the funding package was approved by cabinet ministers over the weekend during a telephone conference. The allocation is designated for “security purchases” and to meet “urgent needs,” though specific details were not disclosed.
A Finance ministry document, circulated to all ministers and referenced by multiple media outlets, stated that “given the intensity of the fighting,” this supplementary budget was essential, according to Al Jazeera.
“An urgent and immediate need has arisen to provide an operational response, including the acquisition of munitions, the procurement of advanced weapons systems and the replenishment of critical combat stocks,” the document explained.
The document characterised the decision as “an exceptional emergency decision intended solely to address needs arising from the conduct of the fighting.”
According to reports, the funds will be sourced from the national budget, which totals $222 billion. The budget was approved by the government on 12 March and is scheduled for final adoption by the Knesset by 31 March.
