Israeli asks for billions more in 2013 defense budget

JERUSALEM - The Israeli Defense Ministry is asking for several billion shekels more than the Israeli Finance Ministry is willing to allocate to it in 2013 budget, according to local media.

In discussions set to begin Wednesday, an 11.5-billion-shekel ($3.5 billion) gap remains between what the military is requesting - 62 billion shekels ($15.5 billion) - and the Finance Ministry's 50.5-billion-shekel ($12.5 billion) offer.

The Israeli Defense Ministry says the complex security situation Israel is facing, including a possible attack on Iran to shut down its nuclear enrichment program, and worsening security situations in neighboring Egypt and Syria, justify the boosted spending.

The army plans to highlight security needs throughout the debate, update the ministers over missions to be executed and the resources needed for them.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have the final say on how much to spend on defense in 2013.

In 2012, defense spending stood at 54 billion shekels ($13.5 billion), although the army also received a 6-billion- shekel ($1.5 billion) increment throughout the year, according to the Israel Hayom daily.