Israel Profiting from Ukraine Crisis, $3.5 bn Arms Deal With Germany

Israel is bagging billions of profits, owing to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, in a $3.5 billion arms deal with Germany. The deal approved by the US, green lighted the sale of Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense boasted of the missile defense system’s exceptional long-range interception capabilities. It can operate at high altitudes above the atmosphere, standing out as the top interceptor of its kind. Israel Aerospace Industries developed the weaponry, missile interceptor and radar detection system of the Arrow 3, while the command and control technology developed by Elbit Systems.

Moreover, this $3.5 billion deal is the largest in Israel’s history. The Ministry hopes to pack it into the country’s force buildup and economy. The declaration will be signed in a ceremony scheduled for November, wherein Israeli and German defense officials will commit $600 million to allow for the project’s immediate commencement.

This deal has enhanced Israel-German relations despite Israel’s plunging human rights record and treatment of Palestines. Chris Doyle, director of London-based Council for Arab-British Understanding, says if Germany benefits from a military partnership with Israel, then it becomes harder to speak out about the appalling Israeli treatment of Palestinians. Germany does criticize Israel, but refuses to take meaningful action. “Israeli strategists have always understood the long-term value of binding major nations to Israel’s future.”

ALSO READ: Cryptic US Military Movements in Iraq and Syria Spark Speculation

Moreover, the deal reflects Germany’s rush for weapons to bolster against Russia-Ukraine-like conflicts. Doyle said Germany had delayed plans to purchase an anti-ballistic missile system, and preferred to invest in anti-drone systems. “Russia’s actions have totally altered the threat perception for countries like Germany.”

However, Russia will definitely not be too pleased with the Israeli sale. Israel is likely to argue the system as defensive weapons. It should be noted that Ukraine has deployed Israeli anti-drone radars via Lithuania. And Israel has been neutral about the Russia-Ukraine war, fearing the Kremlin could make Israeli military strikes on Syria more challenging.