WORLD - Israel 7th Largest Arms Exporter

The Swedish research institute SIPRI, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, published its global arms export and import report, comparing the arms exports of various countries in the years 2016–2020 to 2021–2025.

Israel’s share of global arms exports in recent years (2021–2025) has climbed to 4.4%, up from 3.1% in the previous period (2016–2020). Israel is now the world’s seventh-largest arms exporter.

Furthermore, even though Israel required substantial quantities of weapons for its own use—due to military operations in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and even Qatar—the Israeli defense industry still managed to increase its share of global arms exports. This growth was driven by the global sales of air defense systems.

According to the report, Israel sold arms to 23 countries in Europe (accounting for 41% of all Israeli arms exports), 10 countries in Asia (40%), five countries in the Americas (8.6%), and seven countries in Africa.

According to SIPRI, Israel exports arms primarily to India (56%), Germany (21%), and the US (7.8%).

As for Germany’s purchases from Israel, they largely consist of the Arrow missile defense system—the largest arms sale in Israel’s history.

Regarding Iran’s own arms procurement, the report notes that most of its missiles are produced domestically, and that Russia is the sole external arms supplier selling military equipment to Iran.

-www.timesofisrael.com, 10 March 2026

Commentary: While war has been limited to only certain places, we hear of it daily through the media. Would we compare present-day conflicts with the ones 100, 200, or 500 years ago, we would find that war is definitely on the decrease.

Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24:7 declares, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” The climax will be the battle of Armageddon. We notice famine, pestilence, and earthquakes; it’s a general prophecy that has taken place for the last 2,000 years. Yet, as we mentioned, it’s decreasing. Why? Because the god of this world has a specific plan in mind; namely, to create a global society that is peaceful and prosperous, albeit temporary.

The fact that Israel’s arms exports grow is due to the enemies’ hatred of the Jewish State. When it comes to technology, Israel—despite its small population—is second to none. When it comes to food and water, Israel has an abundance despite its limited territory and arid climate.

What Israel needs is heralded by the prophet Amos: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11).

Yet there is another famine: “of hearing the words of the LORD.” We are deeply thankful to our coworkers at Beth Shalom and many congregations throughout the land of Israel. A recent report from a congregation in Haifa noted that the fellowship hall was full; only standing room was available. In other words, there is a thirst for the Word of God not noticed or published by the media. We are reminded of the words of Jesus, “I will build my church.”

(See The Sure Foundation of the Church, Item #1066, $18.50.)