Jerusalem, 27 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned Thursday that the government’s ongoing dispute over defense spending is affecting military readiness, as he ordered additional forces to Judea and Samaria ahead of the high Holidays.
“Unfortunately, these days we are also in a campaign over the budget,” Zamir said during a multi-sectoral Situation Assessment. “At a time when the IDF and its servants are stretched in all sectors—we have to deal with an ‘empty coffers.’ Such a situation harms the IDF’s readiness.”
Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip in November 2025. Photo by TPS-IL
Zamir ordered an additional regular division headquarters to reinforce forces in Judea and Samaria, citing heightened tensions ahead of the holiday period. He also directed preparations for the rapid deployment of additional units and battalions to the area if Needed.
“Many challenges lie ahead,” Zamir said. “We are advancing battle procedures in all theaters, from Iran, Lebanon to Gaza, and are on high alert in the face of multi-theater explosiveness.”
The warning comes despite an agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to allocate NIS 183 billion ($61.4 billion) for defense, compared with NIS 186 billion )$62.5 billion) last year.
A government discussion on the proposed budget was canceled this week, while a required decision-making document was not presented to ministers in advance.
The Finance Ministry has warned that the 2027 budget will require tax increases and significant spending cuts, leaving the next government to make the decisions.
“The IDF, with all its elements, will be on full alert during the holiday period,” Zamir said.
The High Holidays begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which starts at sundown on Sept. 11.