Israel Says Iran War Has Cost $11.5 Billion, as Netanyahu Says Lebanon Fighting Continues

12/04/2026

Israel Says Iran War Has Cost $11.5 Billion, as Netanyahu Says Lebanon Fighting Continues

TEL AVIV, Apr 12: Israel Ministry of Finance has estimated that the ongoing war with Iran has cost the country at least $11.5 billion, according to an initial assessment released on Sunday.

The ministry said around NIS 22 billion ($7.25 billion) was spent on defense and military operations, including equipment procurement and the mobilization of more than 100,000 reserve soldiers. A further NIS 12 billion ($4 billion) was attributed to damages suffered by businesses and individuals due to missile strikes and war-related disruptions.

Officials added that additional indirect economic losses, including impacts from airport closures and business interruptions, are still being assessed and are expected to significantly increase the final cost.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Lebanon is ongoing, stating that “there is still more to do” following a visit to Israeli-controlled territory in southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu said Israel had established a security zone to prevent cross-border attacks and claimed operations were continuing against rocket and anti-tank threats from Hezbollah. He also said Israel was working to maintain an 8–10 km buffer zone inside Lebanon to reduce cross-border fire.

The remarks come amid continued regional escalation involving multiple fronts, including ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon alongside the broader conflict involving Iran.