Israeli Defense Ministry Adopts Chinese Resilience Model Amid US Policy Disappointment

An internal document from Israel's Defense Ministry reveals a strategic shift inspired by China's military-industrial approach, emphasizing resilience over efficiency. The document, produced by the Defense Export Administration, advocates adopting principles from China's technological and industrial strengthening program, citing disappointment with US policies and the evolving global arms challenge.

The review comes as Israel plans to increase its defense budget by 350 billion shekels over the next decade, a move proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but facing opposition from the Finance Ministry and Bank of Israel. The document highlights that future great power conflicts will depend less on army size and more on industrial resilience and secure supply chains capable of sustaining prolonged warfare.

According to the document, the US lags behind China in preparing for potential conflicts, with China having developed a powerful hybrid system that integrates market forces with political and military objectives. While acknowledging risks such as waste and innovation harm in the Chinese model, the Defense Ministry stresses its massive industrial base will continue to shape global power dynamics.

The new policy promotes "resilience before efficiency," contrasting with Western models focused on cost-effectiveness. The Defense Export Administration notes that the West can no longer rely on free market mechanisms against China's hybrid system subordinating markets to party goals. Although Israel does not face China directly, the ministry believes the multiplicity of potential conflict arenas necessitates similar strategic thinking.

This policy reassessment follows Netanyahu's September 2025 "Sparta speech," where he emphasized adapting to a more autarkic economy. The document underscores the urgent need to secure Israel Defense Forces' supply chains for sustained conflict readiness. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump downplayed ammunition shortages, claiming nearly unlimited stockpiles despite some depletion.

Summary: Israel's Defense Ministry is reevaluating its military procurement strategy, drawing inspiration from China's resilience-focused model amid dissatisfaction with US policies and global arms challenges, while planning a significant defense budget increase.