Israeli Military Admits Unpreparedness Amid Gaza War

Israeli military officials have reportedly admitted that their army is not prepared for new wars without urgent funding. The officials warned the treasury that more investment is needed in the military industry and munitions stockpiles due to the heavy toll of the ongoing war in Gaza.

The military initially planned for a one-month war, with a possible two-week extension, against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, the conflict has continued across multiple fronts, forcing Israel to rely on over 900 cargo aircraft and 150 supply ships—mostly from the US—to replenish basic equipment.

Officials criticized the treasury for resisting additional funding for weapons and force buildup, despite lessons from past conflicts. In September, Israel’s parliament approved an extra 30.8 billion shekels ($9.2 billion) for military spending, raising the total 2025 budget from 756 billion shekels ($228 billion) to 787 billion shekels ($237 billion) and increasing the budget deficit to 5.2% of GDP. Military officials say this funding is still insufficient.

An official explained, “The enemy’s missiles may cost $400,000, but each Arrow 3 interceptor costs $3 million and takes months to produce.” Israel faces multiple security challenges, including fragile Gaza ceasefire, threats from Iran, Lebanon, Turkey, and unrest in the West Bank.

The Israeli military has avoided publicly revealing specific equipment gaps to protect security details. The conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched the Al-Aqsa Flood operation in response to Israel’s intensified attacks on Palestinians.

Despite killing over 68,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 170,000, Israel failed to eliminate Hamas or free captives. Hamas has pledged to honor the US-brokered ceasefire, even as Israel repeatedly violates it.

During the Gaza offensive, Israel also carried out military actions against Iran, Lebanon, Qatar, Yemen, and Syria ant me to do that?