Israeli defence exports rose about 13% in 2024 to nearly $15 billion, led by missiles, rockets and air-defence systems marketed as 'battle-tested'. More than half of deliveries went to European militaries, with Asia Pacific buyers led by India and the United States accounting for 9%. The surge occurred alongside international legal pressure — including an ICJ case by South Africa and ICC arrest warrants — and reports that surveillance and AI tools are being exported and used in occupied territories.
Israeli Arms Exports Surge to Nearly $15bn in 2024 as Legal Pressure Mounts
Smoke from an Israeli attack rises in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, October 30, 2025 [Ramadan Abed/Reuters]
Israeli defence companies reported record revenues in 2024 as exports rose about 13% to nearly $15 billion, driven largely by missiles, rockets and air-defence systems that some manufacturers are marketing as 'battle-tested' following their use in Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Export Trends and Destinations
In a June statement, Israel's Ministry of Defence said defence exports rose to almost $15bn in 2024. More than half of deliveries went to European militaries, with Europe accounting for 54% of exports in 2024 (up from 36% in 2023). The Asia Pacific region — led by India — made up roughly 23% of exports, while the United States accounted for about 9%.
Legal And Political Context
The export surge coincided with rising international legal and diplomatic pressure on Israel. South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging genocide, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with alleged war crimes. Rights groups and several governments have described aspects of the Gaza offensive as amounting to or contributing to genocidal conduct.
Antony Loewenstein, author of The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World, told Al Jazeera: 'Israel sells the idea of getting away with it. There is a very great appeal of that to many other nations.'
Shir Hever, an Israeli arms-trade specialist, told Al Jazeera that many buyers are aware of the legal and ethical implications: '[Buyers] know that a genocide is taking place, and third countries are under a legal obligation not to trade with countries that are committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.'
Human Impact
As arms firms posted higher earnings, survivors in Gaza recounted deadly attacks. Kareem al-Birawi told Al Jazeera that his mother and three siblings were killed in a quadcopter strike on the Osama Ben Zaid School in Jabalia: 'I saw the drone enter the room. There was a red flash, then smoke came out. After that, there was an explosion and fire. My mum and aunt were screaming. Then they all went silent.'
Surveillance, AI And Other Exports
Israeli defence exports also include surveillance and artificial intelligence tools such as facial-recognition systems. These technologies are widely deployed across the occupied West Bank and have been used extensively in Gaza. Ahmad Lubbad, a Palestinian who was detained and later released, said Israeli forces during his December 2023 detention knew personal details — phone numbers, addresses and associates — reflecting extensive monitoring: 'After what I went through in the interrogation, I am convinced we are watched all the time. Totally exposed.'
Responses From Importers And Export Controls
Although many European states increased purchases, some countries have moved to restrict trade. For example, Spain has imposed limitations on arms imports from Israel. Israel remains among the world's top 10 arms-exporting countries, and analysts say the combination of battlefield experience, technological development and geopolitical ties helps sustain demand.
Data Snapshot: 2024 exports up 13% year-on-year to almost $15bn; Europe 54%, Asia Pacific 23%, United States 9%; missiles, rockets and air-defence systems dominated sales.
