Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Friday pushed back against accusations that he was playing politics with Israel’s defense after blocking the acquisition of F-15s and F-35s from Lockheed Martin.
Prime Minister Smotrich blocked the purchase of additional fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, citing concerns that this was not the wisest way to improve defense capabilities. His critics within the Defense Department argued that he was only blocking the purchase for populist reasons.
Smotrich said in a statement that through the defense budget agreed between the prime minister and the National Security Council, he pushed for the creation of a committee to consider how best to equip the Israel Defense Forces in the future. Ta.
“Israel’s security is at stake. Delays in establishing the commission will result in delays in procurement, which is critical to strengthening the Israel Defense Forces and other security structures,” Smotrich said on Friday. In December, Defense Minister Yoav Galan and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich held a joint press conference in Jerusalem. (Credit: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90)
Time-limited purchases
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “The perception that we can strengthen security with less money in the face of increasing threats with the addition of combat troops is a misconception and must change.” criticized.
“The State of Israel should invest double its defense budget. This is our primary insurance policy, and we received proof of that just a few weeks ago,” he said in a statement Friday. .
Gallant also emphasized that this issue is very time-sensitive, saying, “If we do not complete the process to purchase the squadron from the United States within a month, the delivery of the aircraft will be delayed for three years. “There is a possibility that aircraft prices will rise.” Gives an additional 1 billion shekels to the State of Israel. ”
security black hole
Defending his position, Smotrich said, “The State of Israel should allocate more money to security, but not to the failed security concepts that have been constructed in recent years according to old concepts and their promoters.” “Not.”
“Pouring large amounts of money into the black hole of security agencies without being confident that this money will actually create security is not a serious proposition.”
He claimed that Mr. Gallant had been delaying the establishment of the aforementioned committee.
“For months, the Minister of Defense has delayed setting up a committee to review the defense budget and its effectiveness in the face of new threats. “It would have been possible if we had done so in order to advance broader security procurement in response to current and future threats.” ”
Mr. Smotrich further accused Mr. Gallant of “stubbornly refusing to cooperate” on the issue, adding, “(I am) prepared to allocate the full amount of funds necessary to build a strong and viable military.” It’s done,” he said.
