Following a policy directive by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, the director general of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), Major General (Res) Amir Baram, has approved the implementation of recommendations from an expert committee established to boost Israeli defence exports, the IMOD announced on 18 November 2025.
The Committee for Strengthening and Expanding Defense Exports was established as part of the IMOD’s strategy to increase defence exports amid growing global demand for Israeli products following the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF’s) operational achievements. The initiative aims to strengthen force build-up capabilities during a challenging budgetary period, bolster the defence industry and generate additional revenue streams for the defence budget.
The committee was chaired by former IMOD director general Udi Shani and included dozens of current and former officials from the IMOD, IDF, defence industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The committee key recommendations include:
- Significantly expanding the list of countries that enjoy marketing licence exemptions for unclassified products, while reducing product exclusions from this exemption;
- Extending marketing licence exemptions to confidential-level products for a defined list of countries (subject to legislative amendments);
- Establishing a committee within the IMOD for unified, centralised, time-bound technological product registration;
- Increasing the frequency of advisory committee meetings and reducing licence processing times;
- Enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
Baram approved most of the committee’s recommendations, which will be submitted to Katz for final approval.
