Israel has approved an emergency military budget of $827 million to fund urgent security purchases as its conflict with Iran entered the third week, Israeli media reported on Sunday.
The 2.6 billion shekel allocation was approved by cabinet ministers over the weekend during a telephone meeting, according to the daily Haaretz. The funds are earmarked for “security purchases” and other urgent operational needs, although specific details of the acquisitions were not disclosed.
A finance ministry document circulated to all ministers and reported by media outlets including Channel 12 explained that the additional funds were required “given the intensity of the fighting.” The document added that the emergency allocation would cover the acquisition of munitions, procurement of advanced weapons systems, and replenishment of critical combat stocks.
The allocation is drawn from Israel’s state budget, which totals $222 billion and was approved on March 12. It is expected to be formally adopted by the Knesset by March 31. The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet commented on the decision or specified the types of military purchases the funds will cover.
The emergency budget comes amid daily missile s by Iran on Israel, which began following Israeli and US strikes against Iranian targets on February 28. According to Haaretz, citing security officials, Iran has launched 250 ballistic missiles at Israel as of March 13. Most of these s have been intercepted by Israel’s missile defence systems.
The conflict has already resulted in casualties, with twelve people reportedly ed in Israel by missiles or falling debris since the start of hostilities, according to an AFP tally based on reports from Israeli authorities and first responders.
The emergency funding is seen as a crucial step for Israel to sustain its military operations and reinforce its defensive and offensive capabilities during the ongoing war with Iran.
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