As international criticism mounts over Israel’s devastating war on Gaza’s civilian population, Israeli arms exports are booming like never before.
According to a report published by Haaretz, Israel posted a new record in defense exports in 2024, reaching $14.8 billion, a 13% increase compared to 2023.
This surge comes despite widespread outrage and repeated European calls to end all military cooperation with Tel Aviv.
This marks the fourth consecutive annual record for Israeli arms exports, at a time when the country’s overall economy is grappling with a 5.6% drop in total exports.
Military equipment now accounts for nearly 10% of Israel’s total exports.
Europe Leads the Importers
The paradox is striking: 54% of Israeli arms sales in 2024 were destined for European countries, amounting to $8 billion, up from 35% in 2023.
Analysts attribute this increase to heightened security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine and persistent fears of further Russian escalation.
As Europe seeks to modernize its defenses, it is turning in large numbers to Israeli technologies, particularly air defense systems like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, which alone account for 48% of exports.
European Hypocrisy
Despite political rhetoric championing human rights and peace, the European Union — with the notable exceptions of Spain and Ireland — continues to bolster Israel militarily, even as the country faces serious allegations from NGOs and international experts of grave humanitarian law violations in Gaza.
Madrid recently suspended a $325 million missile deal for the acquisition of Spike missiles, condemning their use in strikes on Palestinian civilians.
Ireland, for its part, has issued repeated diplomatic statements and taken actions in support of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, some Arab countries, long considered traditional allies of the Palestinian cause, continue military cooperation with Israel behind the scenes.
Morocco, for instance, a signatory to the Abraham Accords, is reported to have imported $1.8 billion worth of military equipment from Israel in 2024, accounting for 12% of Israel’s total arms sales.
A Changing Industry
The shifting export dynamics also point to changes in global demand: sales to Asia have dropped sharply (from $6.3 billion in 2023 to $3.4 billion in 2024), as have those to Latin America.
By contrast, Europe has emerged as the driving force behind Israel’s defense market, with high demand for defensive systems, armored vehicles (9% of exports), radars, satellites, drones, and electronic warfare technologies (each accounting for 8%).
Despite mounting international criticism, the Israeli arms industry continues to thrive, fueled by global geopolitical tensions and the tacit — and at times overt — support of many states.
A reality that casts serious doubt on the coherence of Europe’s policies regarding human rights and international relations.
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