Weapons and other equipment which the Israeli army says belonged to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and were seized by the army during its ground operation in south Lebanon, are displayed for the media on December 23, 2024, in a northern Israeli military base. Israel stepped up its campaign in south Lebanon in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges begun by Hezbollah in support of Hamas following its Palestinian ally's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. A ceasefire came into effect on November 27. Both sides have accused the other of repeated violations. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s weapons exports reached a record high of over $19 billion last year, marking a 30% increase from 2024, according to Israel’s Defense Ministry. More than half of 2025’s sales were mega-deals valued at $100 million or more. Sales have more than doubled in the last five years, despite criticism of Israel’s conduct in conflicts with Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran. Experts say governments are drawn to Israel’s battle-tested weapons. Defense Minister Israel Katz says the figures reinforce Israel’s position as a leading defense technology power. The Defense Ministry plans to prioritize innovation in drone defense.
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