Israeli Finance Minister Proposes Becoming Global Arms Exporter

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed a significant shift in the country's defense policy, advocating for Israel to become a major global exporter of military technology. In an interview with Ynet, Smotrich stated that Israel should surpass the current demands of its own army and aim to be a key player in the international arms market.

He expressed a desire for countries in the Middle East and Europe to become reliant on Israel for their defense needs. "I want the entire Middle East and beyond, European countries, to depend on us and on the purchase of our defense products," Smotrich said, emphasizing that developing advanced weaponry for export would solidify Israel's strategic position internationally.

Smotrich also drew parallels between security operations in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for the eradication of "terrorist infrastructure, terrorists, weapons, and tunnels" in the West Bank, referencing a recent discovery of an underground structure in Qalqilya. He advocated for aggressive responses to regional threats, including the destruction of military infrastructure where militant sites are found.

Addressing concerns about vehicle-borne attacks on roads, the minister stressed the need to eliminate such threats to civilian safety. Smotrich also characterized Israeli society as peace-loving, highlighting the nation's contributions to regional development and economic prosperity.