"Europe criticises Israel but keeps buying Israeli weapons": Israeli envoy Reuven Azar
New Delhi, June 15
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar, on Monday, noted that European governments, driven by their own urgent security requirements, remain consistent purchasers of Israeli defence technology regardless of their diplomatic stance, despite vocal political criticism from several European nations regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia
Speaking to ANI, Azar highlighted the flourishing defence exports to Europe, adding that 36% of Israel's total defence exports, which amounted to USD 19 billion globally, are currently directed toward Europe.
"Our defence industry is flourishing. 36% of our defence exports are going to Europe. The same European countries are criticising us. They are buying from us because they are also in a very dear need. So we sold USD 19 billion of defence equipment to the world," he said.
Ambassador Azar acknowledged that the current conflict has imposed a "dear price" on the Israeli economy, with costs estimated at approximately USD 200 billion. However, he emphasised that the nation's economic foundation remains robust, bolstered.
"First of all, we've paid a very dear price. This war, according to estimates, has cost us something like USD 200 billion. This is not something cheap or that you can underestimate. But fortunately, we also have a lot of income that has to do, first of all, with our innovation. Israel is exporting innovation," Azar said.
He pointed to strong performance in Israel's technology sector, stating that 2025 was a record year for investments and business acquisitions. "Only last year, 2025, was a record year in which we had about USD 15 billion of investments in innovation, and we had exits of two major cyber companies that were bought for about USD 70 billion," he said.
The envoy also underscored the role of energy exports in supporting the Israeli economy, noting that offshore natural gas discoveries have strengthened energy security and export capacity.
"We also have natural gas that we find offshore. We've been able to untap that. So our energy markets are pretty stable. When it comes to energy, we export energy to Egypt and Jordan," he said.
At the same time, Azar acknowledged the economic and social challenges created by the prolonged conflict, particularly for small businesses and communities near Israel's northern border.
"It's tough because a lot of small businesses have been hit. The government is trying to compensate, but it's very difficult. Our communities in the north are devastated as a result of this continuous war, and they are demanding that the government to solve the problem, to bring back stability. This is the challenge that we have," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The envoy is highlighting Israeli innovation in tech and defence, which is impressive. But USD 200 billion cost of war? That's huge. War is always expensive, and civilians always suffer. I wish more focus was on diplomatic solutions. India's historical position supporting Palestine should be remembered too.
Classic European hypocrisy. They love to lecture others about human rights while their own countries buy Israeli drones and missiles. Israel's tech sector is incredible though - $15 billion in investments is no joke. Maybe Europe should focus on their own defence instead of criticizing everyone else.
The economic dimensions of this conflict are staggering. USD 19 billion in defence exports, 36% to Europe, but also USD 200 billion cost of war. Small businesses in northern Israel devastated. India should engage carefully - strong ties with Israel for tech and defence, but also maintain our principled stand on Palestine. Balance is key.
This is just business as usual. Europe criticises but needs Israeli tech. Israel needs European money. The real losers are the civilians caught in this war - both in Israel and Palestine. India should use its global position to push for peace, not just watch from the sidelines.
The envoy's point about innovation is spot on - Israel's startup ecosystem is world-class. Those USD 70 billion exits for cyber companies are mind-blowing. India and Israel have great synergy in tech and defence. But we should also remember that war destroys economies and lives. Peace is the only sustainable path.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.