Perceived threat drives Israeli budget increase

Israel has increased its 2010 defence budget to allow the Israel Defence Force (IDF) to hasten force-building and procurement plans with an eye towards a possible confrontation with Iran, according to a budget plan released on 2 February.

The budget increase was made possible by advances from the Treasury on future annual budgetary payouts.

In announcing the enhanced budget, which represents less than a 1 per cent increase from ILS48.6 billion (USD13 billion) in 2009 to ILS49.032 billion in 2010, Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Benny Gantz warned that Israel will be prepared should any of its enemies decide to "break the current quiet".

"We cannot be misled by this lull," Gen Gantz said. "We see threats that are increasing on different fronts and, while the other side is currently not interested in war, as an army we need to be prepared. We hope this lull will continue but if not we will be ready."