Israel Plans to Invest 110 Billion Dollars to Enhance the Independence of Its Military Industry

Israel intends to invest 350 billion shekels (approximately 110 billion dollars) over the next ten years to enhance the independence of its local military industry, according to what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday, according to Israeli media reports.

During a speech he delivered at a graduation ceremony for new pilots in the Air Force, Netanyahu said that the program aims to reduce Israel's dependence on foreign suppliers 'including friends'.

Netanyahu pointed to Germany in his statements, saying that it, like other countries, seeks to buy 'more and more' weapons systems from Israel. Germany had temporarily suspended some arms exports to Israel following the devastating war in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, a step that negatively affected relations with Tel Aviv.

Other European countries and the United States, Israel's closest ally, have also imposed various restrictions, which were met with criticism from Netanyahu. The Prime Minister said that the new defense investment program aims to ensure Israel's strategic independence in the field of arms production.

Last week, Germany and Israel signed a contract to expand the 'Arrow 3' missile defense system, which equipped the German armed forces, designed to protect against potential missile attacks from Russia.

Israeli officials mentioned that the total value of the deal, including the basic system, is approximately 5.7 billion euros (6.7 billion dollars), making it the largest arms deal in Israel's history.

Germany has been supplying Israel with major weapons systems for decades.