Israel: public finances

What is Israel's budget deficit?

Israel's general government deficit was NIS 161.9 billion in 2024, or 8.1% of GDP, up from 5.4% of GDP in 2023, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025.

The IMF World Economic Outlook database puts the deficit at 5.2% of GDP in 2025 and projects 5.8% for 2026. The CBS figure covers the whole general government, including local authorities and the National Insurance Institute. The Ministry of Finance's monthly figures cover the central government only and are on a cash basis, so they differ from these national accounts figures.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025 · IMF World Economic Outlook database

What is Israel's national debt?

Israel's government debt was NIS 1,322.1 billion at the end of 2024, 65.9% of GDP, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. General government debt was NIS 1,333.2 billion.

The IMF World Economic Outlook database puts general government gross debt at 67.9% of GDP in 2025 and projects 68.8% for 2026. The two series use slightly different definitions and GDP figures, so their ratios differ. Most of the debt is in shekel-denominated bonds held in Israel.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025 · IMF World Economic Outlook database

How much tax does Israel collect?

Total tax revenue in Israel was 31.7% of GDP in 2025, up from 29.7% in 2024 and 28.9% in 2023, according to the Bank of Israel public sector series.

The ratio includes direct and indirect taxes. Tax revenue as a share of GDP can move with the economic cycle, with one-off receipts such as large company sales, and with changes in tax rates, so a single year's rise needs care. In 2024, 84.9% of general government revenue came from taxes, according to Israel in Figures 2025.

Official sources: Bank of Israel public sector series · Israel in Figures 2025

How much does the Israeli government spend?

General government spending in Israel was NIS 888.7 billion in 2024, 44.3% of GDP, up from NIS 757.5 billion and 40.2% of GDP in 2023, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. Revenue was NIS 726.8 billion, 36.2% of GDP.

Of the spending, NIS 505.8 billion was general government consumption, such as public services and defence; the rest was mainly transfers such as benefits, and interest. Spending on welfare was NIS 235.8 billion, 26.5% of the total. General government covers ministries, local authorities, the National Insurance Institute and publicly financed non-profit institutions.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

What is Israel's government debt?

67.9% of GDP: that is general government gross debt in Israel for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 85.7% of GDP; its low point was 2019, at 59.5% of GDP. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 52.5% of GDP; Israel is 8th highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 57th of 185.

What is Israel's fiscal deficit?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Israel at -5.2% of GDP in 2025, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -10.7% of GDP (2020) to 0.3% of GDP (2022). It is 11th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is -5.2% of GDP. Worldwide: 148th of 188.

How much does Israel's government take in?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 38.0% of GDP. The peak was 40.9% of GDP in 2006 and the low 34.3% of GDP in 2020. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 26.3% of GDP; Israel is 3rd highest of 21. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 50th highest.

How big is Israel's government spending as a share of GDP?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 43.2% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 45.0% of GDP; its low point was 2022, at 37.3% of GDP. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 28.7% of GDP, and Israel placed 3rd highest of 21. Worldwide: 40th of 186.

What is Israel's tax to GDP ratio?

In 2024, central government tax revenue in Israel was 23.2% of GDP, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 25.3% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 21.3% of GDP. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 16.9% of GDP, and Israel placed 2nd highest of 6. Worldwide: 20th of 92.

How much does Israel spend on its military?

SIPRI puts military spending in Israel at 7.8% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 8.5% of GDP; its low point was 2022, at 4.3% of GDP. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.1% of GDP; Israel is 2nd highest of 15. Of 149 countries with 2025 data, 3rd highest.