Arab states received 12 percent of Israeli arms exports in 2024 amid surge in arms sales

Israeli arms exports reached a record high in 2024, totaling $14.8bn, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defence. This marks a 13 percent increase compared to 2023, when exports amounted to $13.1bn. The surge is attributed to the ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023. The ministry noted that the “unprecedented operational achievements” and “combat experience gained through Israeli-developed technologies” have generated significant demand for Israeli defense systems abroad.

Europe emerged as the primary destination for Israeli arms, accounting for 54 percent of total purchases in 2024. This represents a nearly 20 percentage point increase from 2023, when European countries made up 35 percent of Israel’s arms export market. In 2024, European states purchased nearly $8bn worth of Israeli military products, compared to $4.6bn in 2023.

Another significant market for Israeli arms in 2024 was the group of countries that normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Combined arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan reached $1.8bn – equivalent to 12 percent of Israel’s total arms exports. This highlights the expanding reach of Israeli defense exports beyond its immediate region.

In contrast, exports to Asian and Latin American countries declined. Asian nations purchased $3.4bn worth of Israeli weapons in 2024, down from $6.3bn in 2023. The drop is attributed to major arms deals signed in 2023 with India and Azerbaijan that were not repeated in 2024. This shift underscores the fluctuating nature of international arms procurement and the influence of geopolitical dynamics.

The surge in arms exports comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, now approaching its 20th month. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians and the destruction of most of the Palestinian enclave. The international community has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian impact of the war, with mounting criticism from European partners, including allegations of using starvation as a weapon of war and of committing genocide.

In recent months, Israel has faced increasing international scrutiny, particularly in Europe, over its actions in Gaza. A recent UK survey found that a majority of the British public supports a full arms embargo on Israel. According to the poll, 57 percent of respondents backed a government-imposed embargo, while only 13 percent opposed it. This reflects a broader global debate over the role of arms exports in conflict and the ethical implications of military technology sales.

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