Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel will invest billions over the next decade to build an independent domestic arms and munitions industry, intended to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers after repeated political restrictions during the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel will invest NIS 350 billion (about $108 billion) over the next decade to build an independent domestic arms and munitions industry, a move aimed at sharply reducing reliance on foreign suppliers after repeated political restrictions during the war.
Speaking at the Israeli Air Force pilots’ graduation ceremony at Hatzerim Airbase, Netanyahu said the decision was approved jointly with the defense minister, finance minister, and senior security officials, and represents a historic shift in Israel’s defense strategy.
“Several weeks ago I approved, together with the defense minister and finance minister, a total of 350 billion shekels over the next decade to build an independent Israeli armaments industry,” Netanyahu said. “We want to reduce our dependence on every factor — including friends,” he added pointedly, an apparent reference to the United States and European allies. (Read More)
