The IDF learned a lesson during the Gaza War, when even its close ally the United States withheld — that is, slowed down delivery — of weapons, mainly heavy bombs, in an attempt to make Israel refrain from taking certain actions in the Strip, such as entering Rafah. The threat did not work; Israel did not change its plans to satisfy the Americans. But it is determined never to be in that situation again. The Israeli government has just signed two contracts with the private defense contractor Elbit Systems, the first to manufacture thousands of heavy bombs, and the second to produce raw materials used in the manufacture of munitions. Until now, Israel has relied on the Americans for both. More on this declaration of greater military independence can be found here: “Israel to locally produce heavy bombs, reducing reliance on US after shipment holdup,” by Emanuel Fabian, Times of Israel, January 7, 2025:
The Defense Ministry on Tuesday signed two major deals with Elbit Systems for the local arms contractor to supply the military with thousands of heavy bombs and establish a new facility to manufacture raw materials.
The deals were estimated at NIS 1 billion ($275 million), the Defense Ministry said.
The ministry said the agreements were “crucial for enhancing the IDF’s operational endurance and force build-up capabilities,” and represented a “central lesson learned from the war.”
Under the first agreement, Elbit was to supply thousands of heavy air munitions used by the Israeli Air Force.
This would apparently reduce Israel’s need to rely on the United States, which in late spring held up a shipment of heavy bombs.
The Israelis were stung by the Biden administration’s attempt to pressure it by withholding weapons, especially the heavy bombs that are so critical to the IDF’s air war, and have vowed not to ever be in that position again. Of course, with Trump in the White House, there will presumably be no such pressure put on Israel to change its war-fighting policies. But that’s not what worries the Israelis. It’s what could happen four years from now under a different, Democratic, and possibly hostile president. After all, Biden presented himself as a deeply committed Zionist, yet was willing to withhold weapons to Israel as it fought a seven-front war. Still more worrisome, look at how Barack Obama, and even worse, Jimmy Carter, treated Israel. This declaration of weapons independence is worth its weight in shekels — all one billion of them.
Frank Anderson says
In my decades of experience with the Jewish community, I think I have learned that Israel will use any weapon it has when it needs to instead of accepting limits and defeat imposed by others. I will not speculate which weapons Israel has that are far greater than the bombs delayed and denied by the Biden administration. Islam fought from 623 to 1453 to conquer Byzantium/Constantinople. There will be no peace for Israel as long as Islam aspires ro world conquest and the extermination of Jews.
Raymond Bullock says
AGREE.
ronald says
The biggest facist cult in the wold. Destroy islam before it destroyes human rihgts, freedom, progress.
Moshe says
Israel also needs to fully develop its laser technology, planned for anti-missile defense to reduce the cost of Iron Dome, into weaponry that can be used in ground combat to incinerate Hamas terrorists. Israel also needs to adopt a military policy of taking no Hamas terrorists as prisoners (they are not covered by the Geneva Convention), or if any are captured, Israel needs a death penalty.
Eva says
Israel needs to manufacture ALL the weapons and munitions it needs so that next time they find themselves in a war (and they will, thanks to this ‘deal’ that has been forced upon them by their ‘greatest ally’) with terrorist filth, they can do what is necessary and wipe them from the face of the Earth.
Cynthia says
This should have been done years ago. The US will eventually be an enemy if we keep allowing indoctrination of our youth. Everything Israel does is condemned by the UN and Muslim overrun Europe already.
God helps those who help themselves.
Namer says
Ben Franklin said that but, its still true! If Israel can make its own bombs, it should so it does not have to rely on anyone else for it to be able to defend itself.
gravenimage says
Israel Reduces Its Dependence on American Munitions
……………………………………
So sad that this is necessary–but it is probably wise.
I do hope that Israel realizes how many Americans–such as myself–supports her struggle to defend herself.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Another great contribution of the worst president we’ve ever had!
Hopefully, we’ll never again have an anti-Israel president, but if we do, Israel will have the wherewithal to give him the 🖕
gravenimage says
+1
Noah Andeark says
I’ve been using Israeli made IMI Diamond Cut HP ammo for many years. I also have some old CAIR supplied terror guides (the koran) that I take with me for target practice. In order to be green, I use the paper dust that it creates to place in the cats’ litter box. IMI Ammo, korans, and litter boxes. A GRAND combination!!
allahu’s snackbar!
skeptiker says
Great !!
Eva says
FABULOUS!!!
James Lincoln says
Never again should Israel and its IDF be totally dependent upon American weapons.
Never again.
John Galt III says
Never again is allowing Jews in Israel to have guns.
They are not allowed to do that thanks to the Left.
If you ever hear a leftist in Israel say, “Never Again” tell them they are liars.
They don’t give a damn about their fellow citizens, whatsoever, and they don’t trust them to have guns either. Shades of ben Gurion and the Altalena.
James Lincoln says
John Galt III,
Agree that Israel should have the equivalent of the US Second Amendment.