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JERSUALEM — The Knesset today passed its 2026 budget, including roughly $44.8 billion for defense, an increase of roughly $9.48 billion over the previous year’s military budget. The vote, held in the early hours, approved an overall record $268 billion in government funding for 2026 and passed by a vote of 62-55. With a supplemental budget related to the war with Iran expected, defense spending may increase again before the year is through. Israel’s defense budget has seen major increases in recent years, reflecting a shift from low-level conflicts to a multi-front war that began on Oct. 7, 2023. In 2015-2016, the overall budget was $103 billion, with the defense budget at $17.65 billion—a 153 percent increase over ten years. However, this spending remained roughly the same from 2015 to 2022 before jumping to around $30 billion in 2024, including costs for evacuating communities and rebuilding defenses. In 2025, supplemental budgets totaled $12.5 billion, bringing the defense budget to $42.7 billion. Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich emphasized that the budget aims to ‘finish the campaign’ and improve Israel’s geopolitical standing. The Joint Committee of the Finance and Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees approved the 2026 defense budget on March 24, with increased investment for Operation Roaring Lion, the strikes on Iran that began on February 28. Approximately ₪22 billion ($7 billion) of the budget is contingent on income, including U.S. aid, while ₪82.2 billion ($25.8 billion) is allocated for future commitments. The war has also driven Israel to bolster domestic defense industries, such as a $48 million deal with Elbit Systems for 155mm artillery shells. The Ministry of Defense has accelerated munitions production, with 200 cargo aircraft landing in Israel in a month to supply military equipment and weaponry. The budget includes funds for rehabilitation and support for wounded soldiers and those affected by the prolonged conflict. The Gaza conflict, which began with the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, ended with a ceasefire in mid-October 2025, though the IDF continues to maintain brigades in Gaza. Israel has also responded to Hezbollah attacks by launching operations against the group. The budget reflects shifts in the multi-front conflict, including increased spending on defense systems and operational readiness.