The Knesset Finance Committee approved a series of budget transfers for the 2026 state budget on Wednesday. The transfers, approved by the Arrangements Committee, include significant additions to the Defense, Transportation, Justice, and Prime Minister’s Office budgets.
Under the changes, 81 million shekels (~$26 million) will be transferred from the Defense Ministry budget to civilian emergency expenses. The sum is earmarked to implement a government decision to purchase and deploy protective shelters across the country, part of lessons learned following Operation Lion’s Roar. Additionally, an internal shift of about 67 million shekels (~$22 million) was approved within the Prime Minister’s Office, to be directed to funding the headquarters for artificial intelligence.
In infrastructure and transportation, the committee approved a transfer of 30 million shekels (~$10 million) and authorization to commit about 852 million shekels (~$277 million) for development operations by the Israel Land Authority. This budget will also be used for long-term land rehabilitation projects, including treatment of former industrial sites. Another 30 million shekels will be allocated to the National Road Safety Program.
The Justice Ministry will receive an additional 74 million shekels (~$24 million) through internal changes. The funding is intended, among other things, to adjust the budget for the government’s legal representation abroad, given the increased activity of the Universal Jurisdiction Unit since the outbreak of the Iron Swords War. The budget for the Public Defender’s Office and legal aid will also be adjusted to match the pace of implementation.