My Tiny Feed

jpost.com

Israel's High Defense Budget: Economic and Geopolitical Implications

Analysis of Israel's 2025 defense budget, comparing it to other countries and discussing its economic implications.

Read original article in English

English

Israel

International RelationsIsraelMilitaryGeopoliticsEconomicsDefense Spending

Ministry Of FinanceInss (Institute For National Security Studies)Ministry Of DefenseNatoWorld Bank

Esteban KlorMotti BesserBezalel SmotrichOfir AkunisVladimir Putin

How does Israel's defense spending compare to that of Ukraine and other countries, particularly in relation to GDP?: Ukraine's defense spending is significantly higher than Israel's, representing 22.1% of its GDP in 2024 and projected to reach 26.3% in 2025. This reflects the ongoing conflict with Russia and substantial Western aid.
What are the potential economic consequences of maintaining a high defense budget, according to Prof. Esteban Klor?: Prof. Esteban Klor highlights the economic consequences of a high defense budget, warning against diverting resources from growth-generating sectors, similar to the 'lost decade' of the 1970s. He emphasizes the need for strategic civilian spending to balance defense needs with economic growth.
What are Brigadier General (res.) Motti Besser's projections for future defense spending, and what are the indirect economic costs?: Brigadier General (res.) Motti Besser anticipates that higher defense spending will persist even after the war, estimating an additional NIS 80-100 billion over eight years. He also points out indirect costs, such as the diversion of human resources from civilian sectors.
What is the current status of defense spending among NATO countries, and what are some examples of countries with high and low spending?: NATO countries have increased their defense spending, with many exceeding the 2% of GDP target set in 2014. However, some countries like Spain, Slovenia, and Luxembourg remain significantly below this target, highlighting varying commitments to defense expenditure.
What is the approved defense budget for Israel in 2025, and how does it compare to previous years and the Ministry of Finance's proposal?: Israel's 2025 defense budget is NIS 117 billion, exceeding the Ministry of Finance's proposal by NIS 15 billion and significantly surpassing regular years' spending. This increase is attributed to the ongoing conflict and the need to enhance Israel's security capabilities.

Jan 22, 04:11

Israeli General Resigns Amidst Gaza Ceasefire and West Bank Violence

Following the deadliest attack in Israeli history on October 7, 2023, in which Hamas militants killed over 1,200 Israelis and abducted hundreds, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi resigned, taking responsibility for security failures; this comes as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza holds but violence continues in the West Bank.

Jan 22, 19:09

Israel's Jenin Operation: Nine Palestinians Killed Amidst Hospital Siege

Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Jenin refugee camp on October 26, 2024, killing nine Palestinians and besieging a hospital, drawing condemnation for potential war crimes; the operation aims to eliminate terrorist infrastructure and prevent future attacks, reflecting lessons learned from the Gaza war.

Jan 22, 13:11

Israeli Military Operation in Jenin Kills Eight Palestinians

Israeli forces conducted a major military operation in Jenin, West Bank, on January 21, killing at least eight Palestinians, following the lifting of US sanctions on Israeli settlers and a recent Gaza ceasefire, escalating regional tensions.

Jan 20, 07:11

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Hostages Released

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday at 11:15 a.m., resulting in the release of three Israeli hostages held captive for 471 days in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. The deal also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza and an IDF withdrawal.