The Israeli Defense Ministry on Sunday highlighted its record-breaking operations throughout 2024, including overseeing the largest defense budget in the Jewish state’s history (190 billion shekels, or $52.5 billion).
This data was presented at the ministry’s annual Work Plans Conference, led by Defense Ministry Director General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, who has been designated to replace Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi as the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff on March 6.
In addition to the record defense budget, key highlights include 220 billion shekels ($60.9 billion) in military acquisitions—quadrupling typical annual spending.
Over 150 billion shekels ($41.5 billion) were invested in Israeli industries through domestic “Blue and White” procurement, leading to the construction of a new ammunition factory and a national raw materials plant, as well as the establishment of four new defense industry production lines and the expansion of four existing ones. These efforts have doubled the country’s production capacity for ground munitions, according to the report.
The battlefield result was that the ministry provided over 40,000 air munitions to support combat operations.
The year also saw the largest airlift operation in Israel’s history, comprising approximately 670 flights and 130 sea shipments, delivering over 50,000 tons of essential military equipment, including missiles, bombs, tactical vehicles and ambulances to Israeli forces.
New armored platforms entered combat in 2024: the Barak tank, Eitan APC and upgraded Namer APC were deployed. Altogether, armored vehicles logged over one million kilometers (621,000 miles) of operational use.
Last year also saw the creation of a new defense R&D division, the first in 25 years, with a focus on artificial intelligence and autonomy.
Assistance was provided to 5,942 bereaved families and over 15,000 wounded service members.
In his speech at the report’s presentation, Zamir underscored Israel’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. He praised the resilience of Israel’s military and defense industry, reaffirming the ministry’s role in strengthening the IDF and ensuring national security amid evolving threats.
The full text of Zamir’s speech in included below:
“When I assumed this position, even before the war began, we established a core mission: expanding our domestic ‘Blue and White’ production capabilities. As an island nation, we have no alternative. We have strengthened our industry and economy to unprecedented levels.
“This war has demonstrated that we must be self-reliant. We were all raised on the principle that ‘Israel shall defend itself by its own forces.’ Today, I extend that principle: Israel shall produce its own armaments through its own efforts, prepared to face any threat and any scenario.
“Throughout this war, we have revived dormant production lines, expanded existing ones, and established new manufacturing capabilities. Reducing our global dependencies enhances our security, economy and industry. This strategy will also strengthen our defense exports.
“We are engaged in a global arms race, a technological race. In our region, there is no mercy. Our neighbors, from Iran to Gaza, from Yemen to Beirut and Damascus, have misjudged us. The people of Israel and the IDF are strong. In times of trial, our nation’s true spirit emerges!
“We must salute the IDF, its soldiers and commanders. They have saved the State of Israel. The ministry has provided the IDF with the tools, support and security framework necessary to fulfill its mission.
“In this war, the IDF has risen from the depths—our enemies in all arenas have been defeated, their leaders buried beneath the rubble, but the campaign is not over, and challenges remain ahead. We must never forget the heavy price paid in lives lost and wounded.
“The Israel Ministry of Defense must continue building our strength and supporting the IDF’s needs and national security missions.”