Israel is now spending up to $285 million every single night just on missile defense as its war with Iran stretches into the sixth day. The financial pressure is building fast.
According to The Marker, a leading Israeli business paper, the first 48 hours of fighting cost around 5.5 billion shekels—about $1.45 billion—split evenly between attack and defense systems. That’s more than most countries spend in a year on defense.
But it gets even more intense.
A War That Costs $725 Million a Day
Brigadier General (res.) Re’em Aminach, former adviser to the IDF chief of staff, told Ynet News that Israel is now racking up $725 million a day in direct military expenses. This includes everything from airstrikes to missile interceptors.
Just jet fuel and weapons? That’s about $300 million daily, as per government economists.
This isn’t a cheap operation. It’s a high-tech war, and Israel’s defense system—like the Iron Dome and Arrow—doesn’t come cheap.
Also Read Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at Tel Aviv, Killing 3; Iron Dome Fails to Intercept | Watch
400 Missiles Launched by Iran
Since Friday, Iran has launched around 400 missiles, according to Israeli intelligence. Israel responded by knocking out 120 launchers and claims it now has air superiority over Tehran—and did so faster than expected.
Iran’s missile attacks have dropped since then. It fired 150 missiles Friday night, but only 10 by Tuesday afternoon.
Also Read Israel Kills Iran’s Top Military Commander in Tehran, Second Attack in Less Than a Week
But Can Israel Keep Up This Pace?
Israeli analysts are sounding the alarm. At this burn rate, Israel may not be able to keep up the tempo without serious help—especially from the U.S.
A Washington Post report says Israel’s interceptor stockpile is running dangerously low. Some say they may only have 10 to 12 days left before supplies run out.
That’s why calls for U.S. resupply—and possibly direct intervention—are growing louder.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite IRGC just escalated again, claiming it launched Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles under “Operation Honest Promise 3.” It also claimed to have “full control of the skies over occupied territory.”
Big claim, but Israel strongly denies it.
Markets Shaken, Oil Rising
Back in the global economy, oil prices surged near five-month highs. The S&P 500 fell 0.8% while West Texas crude jumped another 1.1%, on top of a 4% rise the day before.
Investors fear direct U.S. involvement could be next.
As the fighting drags on, so do the costs—not just for Israel or Iran, but for the world economy.
