Defense budget includes expanded funding for IDF reservists and major security upgrades in Judea and Samaria
As Israel’s Cabinet approved the 2026 state budget on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is united behind the spending plan and intends to serve out its full term.
The budget will total approximately 662 billion shekels (about $205 billion), with a deficit ceiling for 2026 of 3.9% of GDP. The draft state budget must still pass three readings in the Knesset.
“It’s good that we are going to vote on the budget and finish it before the Sabbath,” Netanyahu said at the start of a special Cabinet session on the budget. “I see the objective and positive approach of the ministers and of you, Minister of Finance [Bezalel Smotrich], and we are on our way to bringing a budget—a budget that is good news for the State of Israel. This government, for all those who are concerned about the matter, will complete its term.”