At the General Assembly of the Manufacturers Association held yesterday (Sunday), Defense Ministry Director-General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, highlighted the contribution of Isrsel’s defense industries in providing manufacturing independence and its ability to endure complex military campaigns.
Zamir praised the extraordinary national effort demonstrated by the industries during the war, which enabled the defense system to function without interruption.
The Lesson of 15 Months of War: Relying on Ourselves
“If there’s one central lesson I take from 15 months of war, it’s the realization that we must primarily rely on ourselves—we have no other choice,” Zamir stated.
“MADE IN ISRAEL is not just a slogan; it’s a work plan. The security achievements that have reshaped the Middle East would not have been possible without the unparalleled mobilization of Israeli defense industries. Starting on October 7, IDF soldiers saved the State of Israel, but the defense industries gave us the breathing room to continue functioning over time.”
A National Effort to Keep the War Machine Running
Zamir highlighted the immense dedication of the defense industry workforce, saying: “The fact that the war machine never stopped and the country’s operational continuity was maintained is thanks to you. In some areas, we had to work 24/7, and factory workers joined shifts on Fridays and Saturdays out of a sense of mission. This was an extraordinary national effort, and I want to thank you for it.”
Independence in Manufacturing: A Recipe for National Resilience
Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Manufacturers Association, underscored the importance of manufacturing independence led by the Defense Ministry. “Only thanks to this independence were we able to stand against our enemies, evade embargoes, and meet all the needs of the economy and military,” Tomer said.
Tomer pledged continued cooperation with the Defense Ministry: “As we have mobilized throughout the war, we will continue to strengthen the production capabilities of defense suppliers. Our goal is clear: to ensure manufacturing independence that enables the military and the state to face any future challenge.”
“Israel Must Defend Itself by Itself”: Key Takeaways from the Nagle Committee
Last week, the “Nagle Committee” presented its recommendations on Israel’s defense budget and military readiness to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The committee’s chairman, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Jacob Nagel, highlighted the need to shift Israel’s security approach from containment and defense to prevention and readiness. He emphasized the importance of immediate response capabilities, even disproportionate when necessary, to address security threats, and preparation for preemptive action and deterrence. “Israel must defend itself, by itself, under any circumstances,” Nagel concluded.
