June 23, (THEWILL) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a new self-sufficiency defence agenda, declaring that Israel must manufacture its own weapons and reduce reliance on foreign military supplies as it confronts growing threats from Iran and its regional allies.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with participants of a reserve combat officers’ course at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in the Gush Etzion bloc, Netanyahu said Israel’s long-term security would depend on its ability to develop an independent armaments industry capable of meeting the country’s defence needs.
While expressing gratitude for decades of military support from the United States, the Israeli leader stressed that the changing security landscape required Israel to become increasingly self-reliant in the production of weapons and military equipment.
“I deeply appreciate the support we have received, and which I have also brought over the years, from our American friends. But today I say: We need our own independent armaments network. We must manufacture our own armaments,” Netanyahu said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of heightened tensions across the Middle East, where Israel continues to face security challenges linked to Iran and Tehran-backed groups operating across the region.
Netanyahu said Israel had successfully inflicted significant damage on its adversaries but cautioned that the confrontation was far from over.
“We have dealt them blows,” he said, referring to Iran and its allies, adding that Israel must remain vigilant and prepared for future threats.
According to him, the country’s future standing and security would be determined by the strength of its military capabilities and the resilience of its defence industry.
“Where we will be 30 years from now depends on our strength,” Netanyahu stated.
He emphasized the need to expand local military production, accelerate technological innovation and invest in the training of future military commanders who will lead Israel through evolving security challenges.
Netanyahu also underscored the importance of integrating advanced technologies into defence operations, arguing that military superiority in the coming decades would depend not only on manpower but also on technological advancement and industrial capacity.
Israel is already home to one of the world’s most, advanced defence sectors, producing sophisticated missile defence systems, drones, cyber warfare technologies and precision-guided weapons.
Nevertheless, the country remains a major recipient of American military assistance and relies significantly on foreign-supplied equipment and munitions.
As tensions continue to simmer across the Middle East, Netanyahu maintained that Israel must continue investing in military strength, technological innovation and indigenous weapons production to safeguard its future and maintain its strategic edge.
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