Netanyahu Calls for Israeli Arms Independence and Reduced Reliance on Foreign Suppliers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday with participants in a reserve combat officers course at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion, where he discussed the security challenges facing Israel on multiple fronts. He said Israel is continuing to act against Iran and its proxies, adding, “Now we are facing Iran and its satellites. We have hit them. It is not over yet, but it depends on our strength.”

Netanyahu said Israel’s future will depend on sustained national and military buildup. “Where we will be in 30 years, it depends on our strength. Therefore, what we are doing now is building greater strength,” he said. He stressed that Israel must increase its security independence, especially in weapons production.

“I want arms independence. I greatly appreciate the support we have received, and I have also brought it over the years from our American friends. Today I say, we need our own independent arms system. We are producing our own weapons,” Netanyahu said. He added that Israel should keep expanding its production, development, and training capabilities in the IDF.

“Free ourselves from dependency, build more and more power, bring in more and more technology, train more and more generations of commanders like you, because that is what will ultimately determine where we will be,” he said. He ended by telling the reserve officers, “With God’s help and with your help, we will be in a good place.”