Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the country’s defense industry to boost local production of weapons. Speaking with Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron, Netanyahu emphasized the need for Israeli defense firms to adapt to the increasing demands of the war against Hamas militants. He urged them to reduce reliance on foreign components to enhance the nation’s independence in weapons production.
In 2023, Israel heavily depended on the US and Germany for military weapons and equipment, as per data from a Swedish think tank. Netanyahu’s call for boosting local production came as several UN experts recommended a halt in arms exports to Israel. They warned that any transfer of weapons to Israel for use in Gaza could violate international humanitarian law due to the risk of civilian casualties.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, over 32,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, have been reportedly killed. Rights groups criticized the Israeli government for alleged indifference to civilian protection. Canada recently announced a halt to weapons exports to Israel, citing concerns about the situation on the ground and the need to prevent further civilian harm.
