Israeli cabinet approves $35 billion defense budget for 2026 amid growing political tensions

Tel Aviv (Web Desk): The Israeli Cabinet has approved the proposed budget for the year 2026, with a significant allocation of $35 billion for defense—an increase of 25% over initial projections.

This substantial rise in defense spending is set to further fuel tensions within the government coalition as it moves toward approval by Israel's Knesset (Parliament).

The defense budget is part of a broader fiscal plan, which also includes allocations for social services and economic development.

However, the primary focus of the debate has centered around the military spending, with critics arguing that the government is prioritizing defense over essential public services, including healthcare and education. The $35 billion defense allocation marks a significant step up from previous years, as Israel continues to navigate its complex security environment, particularly the ongoing conflict with Gaza.

Despite the Cabinet's approval, the budget still needs to pass through the Knesset, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encountering significant resistance from coalition partners.

The government is facing internal divisions, particularly over issues related to the Gaza conflict, religious policies, and now, the increased defense expenditure. These issues have already strained relations within Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, leading to a growing political divide.

Under Israeli law, the budget must be approved by the Knesset before March 2026. Failure to do so could trigger new elections, as the passage of the national budget is a legal requirement for the functioning of the government. The looming deadline adds an element of urgency to the ongoing discussions.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that the increased defense spending is crucial to ensure Israel’s security in the face of regional threats.

However, the rise in military expenditure has sparked protests from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that the government’s focus on military needs undermines the social and economic welfare of the Israeli population.

In addition to security concerns, the Israeli government has been grappling with internal divisions over religious issues, with some factions calling for changes to the status quo regarding religious freedoms, while others advocate for a stronger emphasis on maintaining Israel’s Jewish character.

As the budget heads toward a parliamentary vote, Israeli lawmakers and political analysts will be closely watching whether Netanyahu’s coalition can maintain its fragile unity or whether these internal rifts will lead to political instability and the potential for new elections.