— Israeli army faces financial crisis, pulling tank battalions from service
The Israeli army is on the verge of a financial crisis, leading to the withdrawal of several tank battalions due to a shortage of spare parts and the risk of production line closures. The security establishment warned that Elbit Systems may halt production of Merkava tank shells in the coming days. The artillery shell production line is expected to close in October, and the mortar shell line in November. The Finance Ministry has not yet transferred the first installment of the 40 billion shekel increase to the defense budget ordered by the prime minister. The army warned that the shortfall is already harming operational readiness and the ability to fight a multi-front war. A military official said: "We have debts exceeding 15 billion shekels to the defense industries."@TPOnow
