- Despite UK suspensions of some export licenses, loopholes in the F-35 fighter jet program, other deals continue enabling British-made components to reach Israeli forces
ISTANBUL
As Israel’s devastating offensive in Gaza is entering its third year – with over 67,200 Palestinians killed, mostly women, children and the elderly – growing attention is turning to the states and defense firms that continue supplying Tel Aviv with military arsenal despite mounting accusations of genocide.
Between 2020 and 2024, the US and Germany accounted for the overwhelming majority of Israel’s arms imports, while Italy and the UK played smaller but notable roles. Israeli firms themselves remain central, backed by niche suppliers across Europe and Asia. Collectively, they form a global pipeline that sustains Israel’s ability to wage war in Gaza.
Anadolu has compiled a comprehensive report on the nations arming Israel throughout its campaign, as well as the types of weapons and military aid being delivered, despite mounting global outrage and accusations of genocide and war crimes.
US
Washington remains Tel Aviv’s largest arms supplier and staunchest political ally, repeatedly vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
From 2020 to 2024, the US accounted for about two-thirds of Israel’s arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Currently, most US aid is military, under a standing agreement to deliver $3.8 billion annually through 2028. This aid is largely required to be spent on American-made equipment and services.
But Washington’s support has gone far beyond the long-standing $3.3 billion in military financing and $500 million for missile defense. In the first year of the current conflict alone, media reports suggest that the US shipped or approved at least $6 billion in munitions, with some analysts estimating the figure – including pending deals – could rise to $22 billion.
Most shipments have been expedited under emergency authorities, though some large bomb transfers were temporarily paused over civilian casualty concerns.
Recent and prospective packages underscore the scale of support: $6.4 billion for Apache helicopters and infantry assault vehicles, $1.9 billion for urban combat vehicles, and $750 million for spare parts and demolition systems, according to Western media reports.
In early 2025, Congress was notified of additional packages – an $8 billion deal for bombs, missiles and shells, and a $7.4 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and Hellfire missiles.
Deliveries from these agreements are scheduled between 2025 and 2028, reflecting a long-term, multibillion-dollar investment in Israel’s military infrastructure.
The scope of weapons is extensive. Israel has received thousands of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Small Diameter Bombs (GBU-39/B), MK-82 and MK-84 bomb bodies, JDAM guidance kits, BLU-109 bunker-buster bombs, fuses, and artillery shells, according to multiple media reports.
On the ground, Caterpillar D9 bulldozers supplied by the US are used in combat engineering tasks such as demolishing homes and clearing rubble, while Eitan powerpack engines have boosted the mobility of Israel’s armored vehicles.
Behind these transfers stand America’s biggest defense contractors. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Moog and L3Harris supply the fighter jets, avionics, munitions and support systems that underpin Israel’s military machine, according to Workers in Palestine, a group of Palestinian trade unions and activists.
BAE Systems, which has operations in both the UK and US, contributes electronic warfare systems and identification-friend-or-foe technology. Pine Bluff Arsenal, part of the US Army’s industrial base, is among the producers of white phosphorus munitions used in Israel’s arsenal, whose deployment in populated areas has drawn international condemnation, the group said.
Germany
Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, accounting for roughly one-third of its imports between 2020 and 2024, according to SIPRI.
Unlike many European states, Berlin has refused to recognize Palestinian statehood and has been one of Israel’s closest allies in the EU.
From October 2023 to mid-May 2025, Germany approved arms exports worth €485 million ($569 million), according to figures released in parliament. While exports dipped in 2024 compared to the year before, the overall trend underscores Berlin’s role as a critical supplier.
Key transfers include naval frigates and torpedoes, as well as 120mm precision tank ammunition supplied by Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest weapons manufacturer. Der Spiegel has reported that these shells are being widely used in the ground assault on Gaza. Rheinmetall’s weapons sales surged 58% in 2024, while its backlog of orders reached record highs.
Atlas Elektronik has also been involved in maintaining Israel’s Dolphin-class submarines through a partnership with the Israeli firm Vsense Technologies, according to a Ctech report.
Even the German civilian industry plays a role. Mercedes-Benz produces heavy tow trucks for transporting Israel’s Merkava tanks, according to a report by the Jerusalem Post.
Italy
Italy ranked as Israel’s third-largest supplier, contributing about 1% of its arms imports between 2020 and 2024, SIPRI data shows.
SIPRI reported that the majority of these exports consisted of light helicopters (59%), while the remaining 41% were naval guns intended for frigates supplied by Germany. Additionally, it said, Italy participates in the F-35 program, contributing by manufacturing components.
According to an investigation by the outlet Altreconomia, Rome exported €5.2 million ($6.1 million) worth of weapons to Israel last year.
UK
Despite recently recognizing Palestinian statehood, the UK continues to export arms to Israel.
A total of 110,000 bullets were sent from Britain to Israel in August 2025, according to an investigation by Channel 4.
On Sept. 2, 2024, the UK government suspended around 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel over a “clear risk” they could be used in Gaza. The suspension covered parts for fighter jets, helicopters, drones and targeting systems, according to the UK government and House of Commons.
But many other licenses remained valid, including those for naval platforms, training aircraft and dual-use items.
A major loophole lies in the F-35 program. The UK produces about 15% of every jet and continues supplying components into a global pool that Israel can access, despite concerns over their use in Gaza, according to investigative reports by media outlets, including Declassified UK.
The UK-based firm Moog provides flight-control systems for Israel’s M-346 training aircraft, Declassified UK said.
Exemptions also include components incorporated into weapons that Israeli firms re-export, according to a December 2024 report by the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
Other suppliers
Beyond its main Western allies, Israel benefits from specialized support from firms across Europe and Asia.
France’s Safran supplies aircraft engine components through European defense collaborations, according to Investigate Europe.
South Korea’s Huneed Technologies also delivers wiring harnesses and cockpit systems for Israeli military aircraft.
Together, these links show that Israel’s assault on Gaza is far from an isolated offensive. Instead, the campaign is embedded in a global arms network – one that continues to thrive as the civilian death toll climbs.
