IDF Chief of Staff warns of imminent budget crisis amid election freeze

The IDF has repeatedly warned of a tens-of-billions-shekel budget gap, but Netanyahu and Smotrich delayed action until the election period made transfers impossible. The Chief of Staff has now appealed to opposition leader Lapid, who conditioned support on cutting coalition funds, triggering a blame game. This marks a rare direct military-to-opposition appeal, signaling acute fiscal strain on defense readiness.