Reservists' salaries revealed: Over $100 billion since October 7

Since October 7, 2023, Israel's defense spending on reservist salaries has exceeded 100 billion shekels (approximately $32.8 billion), accounting for over one-third of the total war costs, which stand at about 280 billion shekels. The prolonged conflict, including Operation Roaring Lion, has necessitated maintaining tens of thousands of reservists in active service, with peak months seeing salary costs of 3-4 billion shekels monthly. The defense budget for 2026 was approved at 143 billion shekels, a significant increase from pre-war levels of around 68.5 billion shekels annually. This substantial expenditure also reflects the wear and tear on operational equipment, with hundreds of vehicles out of service due to spare parts shortages, and the challenges of a global arms race driving up procurement prices. Despite these costs, defense officials emphasize the "priceless" strategic partnership with the United States, citing American aid such as the THAAD battery, which reportedly carried out over 300 ballistic missile interceptions. Looking ahead, the defense establishment projects an annual budget of 140-150 billion shekels will be necessary to maintain readiness across multiple fronts, while Israeli defense exports reached a record $19.2 billion in 2025.