A growing dispute over Israel’s defense budget has intensified, with billions of shekels in additional funding still held up and Finance Ministry officials warning that the Defense Ministry’s approach could damage future military programs.

A meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid ended without an agreement that would allow additional defense funding to move forward, Ynet reported Tuesday.

Finance Ministry officials insist that the government has already transferred all funds currently required by the defense establishment and say approximately 15 billion shekels remain stuck in the Knesset.

The dispute comes as Israel continues to face threats on multiple fronts and the military seeks resources for both current operations and future weapons systems. Treasury officials are warning that poor management of current spending could ultimately undermine longer-term defense projects.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)