Israel Must Invest in Civilian Space to Drive National Strength and Growth
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Member of Knesset Gila Gamliel is urging Israel to significantly increase investment in its civilian space sector, viewing it as crucial for national resilience and economic growth. The global space economy is rapidly expanding, presenting significant opportunities. Gamliel highlights the need for a national strategy to leverage civilian space capabilities, enhance international cooperation, and reform the Israeli Space Agency to support industry growth and technological advancement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Gila Gamliel calls for increased Israeli investment in the civilian space sector for national resilience and economic growth.
- The global space economy reached $686 billion in 2025 and is growing at 12% annually.
- Commercial companies are increasingly developing technologies that also serve national security needs.
- Israel signed a ten-year strategic agreement with NASA in December 2025.
- Gamliel advocates for greater independence and a stable budget for the Israeli Space Agency.
Member of Knesset Gila Gamliel emphasizes that Israel, already a significant player in space technology, must prioritize investment in the civilian space sector to foster national resilience and economic growth. She notes the global space economy is booming, reaching $686 billion in 2025 with a 12% annual growth rate, driven by commercial launches, satellite internet, and ground segment expansion. Gamliel argues that while governments historically led space development, the trend is shifting, with commercial companies now developing critical technologies that also serve national security needs, a reality recognized by NATO designating space as the fifth operational domain.
To capitalize on this, Israel needs a national strategy that elevates civilian space as a key component of its resilience and a driver of economic prosperity. A robust civilian industry, she explains, expands knowledge, attracts capital, trains workers, and develops products for diverse markets, which can indirectly strengthen the security apparatus. Gamliel points to SpaceX's success, supported by NASA, as an example of how public policy can foster private entrepreneurship through investment and infrastructure access.
Israel has already taken steps to enhance international cooperation, including a strategic ten-year agreement with NASA signed in December 2025, and memorandums of understanding with Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Gamliel advocates for strengthening the Israeli Space Agency, established in 1983, by granting it greater independence, a stable budget, and clear objectives to better support companies in fundraising, research, and market expansion. She concludes that consistent national investment and strategic foresight are crucial for Israel to maintain its influence in this growing strategic field, mirroring the space-centric strategies of global powers.