Israel Signs $275 Million Arms Deals

In response to rising antisemitism and challenges faced since the October 7 Hamas attacks, Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt emphasized the need for the Jewish community to adopt innovative strategies to combat hate and rethink its approach to diversity initiatives, which have inadvertently led to exclusion. Concurrently, Israel has signed two major deals worth approximately $275 million with Elbit Systems to bolster domestic arms production, reducing its reliance on U.S. military supplies, particularly after delays in shipments. The agreements include supplying thousands of heavy air munitions and establishing a facility for producing raw materials previously sourced from abroad. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and with Hezbollah, while also promoting local economic growth. As more than 83,000 munitions have been deployed by the Israeli Air Force since the conflict's escalation, these developments signify a strategic pivot in Israel's defense policy during a critical period. The Israeli Defense Ministry stressed that these measures reflect lessons learned from the war and are vital for maintaining operational sustainability.