Israel Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Israel's government spending was 36.71% in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Israel's government spending stood at 36.71% in 2025, a decline of +0.72% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 36.71% by 2025. Israel ranked 32nd globally.
Israel’s general government expenditure as a share of GDP stood at 36.71 in 2025, placing the country 32nd in the world and just below Croatia’s 36.90 and Namibia’s 36.67. The indicator has oscillated over the 53‑year series, rising from an early level of 37.95 in 1972 to a historic high of 75.30 in 1984, a period marked by expansive fiscal policies and the aftermath of the 1973 oil shock. A sharp contraction followed, reaching a nadir of 30.27 in 1991 amid the Gulf War and domestic budget tightening, before the level gradually rebounded to its current position. Compared with peers such as Estonia (37.01) and Cyprus (36.47), Israel’s spending remains modestly higher, reflecting its security‑related outlays and social welfare commitments. Absent major shifts in defense budgeting or structural reforms, the trajectory suggests a gradual upward drift, though fiscal consolidation could temper future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 36.49% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 36.71% | - | - |
| 2025 | 36.71% | −0.72% | #32 |
| 2023 | 37.44% | +2.19% | #70 |
| 2022 | 35.25% | −2.95% | #77 |
| 2021 | 38.19% | −3.61% | #103 |
| 2020 | 41.80% | +6.55% | #111 |
| 2019 | 35.25% | −0.57% | #111 |
| 2018 | 35.82% | +0.27% | #114 |
| 2017 | 35.54% | +1.07% | #117 |
| 2016 | 34.48% | +0.02% | #111 |
| 2015 | 34.46% | −0.42% | #114 |
| 2014 | 34.87% | −1.29% | #110 |
| 2013 | 36.16% | −0.09% | #103 |
| 2012 | 36.25% | +0.14% | #104 |
| 2011 | 36.11% | −0.45% | #99 |
| 2010 | 36.56% | −1.36% | #95 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Israel matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Israel's government spending was 36.71% in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from the previous year.
Israel's government spending peaked at 75.30% in 1984.
The lowest government spending in Israel was 30.27% in 1991.
Israel ranks 32nd globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Israel's government spending is projected to reach 36.71% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Israel in 2025 was 36.71%. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_israel_government-spending,
title = {Israel Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/israel/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}