Where does Israel source its weapons during the Gaza conflict?

Western governments are facing mounting pressure to cease arms sales to Israel due to concerns over its military actions in the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel, a major weapons exporter, has been heavily reliant on imported aircraft, guided bombs, and missiles to conduct what experts have called one of the most intense and destructive aerial campaigns in recent history.

Campaign groups and some politicians from Israel’s Western allies argue that arms exports should be suspended because Israel is allegedly not doing enough to protect civilian lives and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The UN Human Rights Council recently backed a weapons ban, with the US and Germany, the main suppliers of arms to Israel, voting against the resolution.

The US, the largest arms supplier to Israel, provides $3.8 billion in annual military aid to maintain Israel’s military edge. Israel has used this aid to purchase advanced weaponry, including F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and missile defense systems like Iron Dome. Despite calls for an arms embargo, the US has continued military sales to Israel, including a pending $18 billion deal for F-15 fighter jets.

Germany, the second-largest arms exporter to Israel, has also faced scrutiny over its arms sales, while Italy, the third-largest exporter, has defended its sales by ensuring they do not contribute to civilian harm. Other countries like the UK and Canada are also facing pressure to suspend arms exports to Israel.

Israel has developed its own defense industry with a focus on advanced technological products, making it the ninth-largest arms exporter globally. The country’s sales include UAVs, missiles, and air defense systems. Additionally, Israel hosts a US arms depot to pre-position supplies for emergencies, including the recent conflict in Gaza.