Kathmandu— Israel’s Ministries of Finance and Defence have clashed over the escalating costs of multiple regional conflicts, which are adding pressure to the government’s budget. The Israeli military has warned that unresolved disputes could jeopardize national security. Since October 2023, Israel has been engaged in its longest period of sustained conflict, with forces deployed across Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Budgetary Pressures

The Israeli military has warned that these costly conflicts are being undertaken with “empty coffers.” The government has attempted to inject an additional 15 billion shekels ($5bn) into the military, increasing the 2026 defense budget to a near-record 184 billion shekels ($60.8bn). However, senior finance officials have rejected the military’s claim that it is “on the edge of the abyss,” warning that meeting its demands could push military spending to nearly one-third of the country’s entire state budget.

Political Dynamics

Complicating the picture is the fragmented nature of Israeli politics. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose far-right Religious Zionist Party might not pass the electoral threshold for the next Knesset, faces a dilemma: he needs support from hardcore nationalists who demand more military expenditure but must also manage the financial implications.

Military Readiness

The military has warned of potential spending cuts that could reduce reserve forces and scale back intelligence gathering. Despite these warnings, few ministers are showing any appetite to curb Israel’s military endeavors, with preparations ongoing for possible escalations with Iran and other threats.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.