Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for Israel to pursue “armaments independence.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is grateful for U.S. military assistance but stresses the need for Israel to develop its own weapons‑production capacity.
His announcement comes amid rising tensions surrounding the U.S. peace initiative with Iran and as demand for Israel’s weapons continues to surge.
Israel’s long‑standing occupation of Palestinian territories and the conflict in Gaza enable it to market its arms as “combat‑tested.”
The weapons sector is booming; Israel’s arms exports reached a record $19 billion last year, bolstering its claim of strategic autonomy.
However, true strategic independence carries significant costs.
Can Israel afford to lose its most vital ally?
Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault
Guests:
Alexandre Vautravers – Security and defence policy specialist
Michael Mulroy – Former US deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East
Antony Loewenstein – Author of the book The Palestine Laboratory
Published On 24 Jun 2026
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