Israel’s Defense Against Iran’s Missiles Costs Estimated at NIS 4-5B in One Night

By Yoni Weiss

The substantial financial toll of defending Israel against Iran’s missile attack is estimated at 4-5 billion shekels for just one night, according to Brig. Gen. Reem Aminoach, former financial advisor to the IDF chief of staff. Speaking with Yediot, Aminoach broke down the costs associated with deploying Israel’s advanced defense systems, including the Arrow system for ballistic missiles, other missile systems for cruise missiles, and fighter jets for UAVs. The costs are staggering: $3.5 million per Arrow missile, $1 million for a David’s Sling missile, plus additional significant expenditures on aircraft operations.

Aminoach also reflected on the broader financial implications of such defense efforts, comparing the costs to Iran’s expenses for the attack. He highlighted the strategic necessity of understanding defense expenditure in the context of the IDF’s annual budget, which was 60 billion shekels in 2023. He argued that without a budget nearly double this amount, maintaining sufficient defense capabilities would be challenging.

Amidst these financial discussions, Aminoach criticized the decision by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to delay purchasing new fighter jets from the U.S., a move funded by American aid. This decision, he argued, compromises Israel’s ability to intercept threats before they reach its territory. The delayed order is meant to replace, not increase, the current fleet, which Aminoach insisted is inadequate for Israel’s defense needs. He forcefully stated the urgency of acquiring additional aircraft to bolster Israel’s defensive posture, underscoring the critical role these planes play in national security.