Smotrich and Sa'ar Greenlight NIS 2.35 Billion for Hasbara Budget for Campaigns and Influencers in 2026

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have agreed on allocating NIS 2.35 billion for Israels public diplomacy efforts as part of the 2026 national budget. This sum includes NIS 1 billion already authorized by the government to support global awareness initiatives promoting Israel.

Saar noted that the government also approved the creation of a dedicated public diplomacy unit within the Foreign Ministry. A department head will be appointed to oversee strategic communication efforts and coordinate all related activities across the ministry.

According to the government, the funding will support social media initiatives, partnerships with civil society groups, and visits to Israel by influencers, public figures, elected officials, and other opinion leaders.

Saar emphasized that Israel must expand its resources to counter large-scale messaging efforts by hostile actors, calling the approved funding a meaningful advancement despite its modest scale compared to the challenges faced worldwide.

The budget package, which has drawn criticism from some opposition members, still requires approval from the Knesset before it can take effect.

Defence Budget Set at NIS 112 Billion for 2026

The 2026 draft budget also includes an increase in defence spending, following agreements between Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Defence funding is projected to reach NIS 112 billion, reflecting the financial strain of recent conflicts. Israel spent approximately NIS 100 billion in 2024 during its operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, prior to entering ceasefire arrangements with both groups.

Smotrichs office stated that the new defence allocation represents a 47-billion-shekel rise compared to pre-war levels in 2023, describing it as essential for strengthening the military while supporting the countrys economic recovery.

Author: Olivia Parker