Israel declared war against Palestinian militant group-Hamas on 8th October 2023 launching the “operation swords of irons” through the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Israeli military has garnered significant attention on the global stage after conducting a series of strikes targeting suspected Hamas targets in Gaza.
The conflict was ignited when Hamas carried out a multifaceted attack on Saturday, 7th October, prompting Israel to respond.
As this crisis unfolds, here are five essential aspects you need to know about the Israeli military.
Israel Defense Forces in Numbers
With an approximate national population of 9.73 million people, the nation boasts one of the most potent military forces in the Middle East and in the world.
It maintains a robust military presence, with 169,500 active military personnel and an additional 465,000 in the reserve forces according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ (IISS) Military Balance 2023.
Notably, there is mandatory military service for citizens over 18 years of age, with men serving for 32 months and women for 24 months.
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Impressive Artillery
According to IISS, in terms of firepower, the Middle East nation is well-equipped. On the ground, the IDF has over 2,200 tanks and 530 artillery pieces.
Their air force comprises 339 combat-capable aircraft, including 309 fighter ground attack jets.
Moreover, the jets include 196 F-16 jets, 83 F-15 jets, and 30 F-35 jets.
With 142 helicopters and 43 Apache attack helicopters, Israel’s airpower is formidable. Their naval strength includes five submarines and forty-nine patrol and coastal combatants.
The iconic Iron Dome system, developed with U.S. support, plays a pivotal role in intercepting short-range rockets which has been crucial in the recent war against Hamas.
High Military Expenditure for Israel
The Benjamin Netanyahu-led nation takes its military seriously, allocating substantial resources.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2022 alone, the country spent $23.4 billion (Ksh3.48trillion) on its military, representing about $2,535 (Ksh377,588) per capita over the 2018-2022 period.
This makes Israel the world’s second-largest spender on military per capita, following only Qatar.
In 2022, Israel dedicated 4.5 percent of its GDP to the military, ranking 10th globally.
United States Military Aid
The United States has been a staunch supporter of Israel’s military endeavors.
Over the past seven decades, the U.S. has contributed more than $120 billion (Ksh17.8 trillion) in military aid to Israel, according to the United States Congressional Research Service.
Israel’s status as the primary recipient of U.S. foreign aid is evident, having received approximately $263 billion (Ksh39.1 trillion) between 1946 and 2023, nearly double the aid given to the next recipient, Egypt.
Notably, the collaboration between the U.S. and Israel is based on shared strategic interests and a commitment to democratic values as per the USCRS.
In 2023, the U.S. committed to providing Israel with additional equipment and resources, including munitions.
Israel and International Arms Trade
The nation’s role in the international arms trade has evolved over the last decade. While historically importing more than exporting, recent years have seen exports exceed imports.
Between 2018 and 2022, Israel exported weapons to thirty-five countries, totaling $3.2 billion (Ksh476.6 billion), shows SIPRI.
Notably, India stands as the largest importer of Israeli military equipment, receiving about a third of the total arms’ exports.
Azerbaijan, the Philippines, and Vietnam also feature among the significant clients.
Meanwhile, the nation imported $2.7 billion (Ksh402billion) in weapons from only two countries: the United States and Germany.
As such, the United States remains the primary source of Israel’s military imports.
In the face of the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the Israeli military’s prominence continues to grow.
Their military might, expenditure, and support from the U.S. underscore the significance of their role in the region.
