Israeli arms exports surged to record levels in 2025, with sales to countries aligned under the Abraham Accords now accounting for 15% of its total foreign military trade—a shift that has reshaped the Middle East’s security landscape and drawn fresh scrutiny over regional arms proliferation.
Morocco’s emergence as a key buyer in this network marks a strategic pivot for Jerusalem, as the North African nation increasingly positions itself as a bridge between Israel and Arab partners. According to government officials, the country’s defense procurement deals have accelerated alongside rising tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on commercial shipping have strained regional alliances.
Fast Facts
- Export surge: Israeli arms sales jumped nearly 30% in 2025, hitting a historic high.
- Abraham Accords role: Nations signed under the 2020 agreements now represent 15% of Israel’s foreign military sales.
- European market: The European Union remains Israel’s largest arms buyer, accounting for one-third of total exports.
- Moroccan ties: Rabat’s defense cooperation with Israel has expanded amid shared concerns over regional instability.
How the arms trade is reshaping regional alliances
The Abraham Accords—brokered by the Trump administration in 2020 to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states—have quietly become a conduit for military trade. While the agreements were initially framed as diplomatic breakthroughs, their economic dimensions now extend to defense contracts, with Israel positioning itself as a reliable supplier of drones, cybersecurity systems and precision munitions.
Morocco’s growing role in this dynamic reflects its own strategic calculus. As the kingdom faces security challenges from Western Sahara separatists and regional instability, its defense ties with Israel have deepened. In 2024, Rabat purchased Israeli-made Heron drones and Iron Dome-like missile defense systems, a move that drew muted criticism from some Arab neighbors but was welcomed by Washington as a sign of expanding cooperation.
For Israel, the Abraham Accords have diversified its export market beyond traditional buyers like the U.S. And Europe. According to public statements, Israeli defense officials have emphasized the “mutual security interests” driving these sales, particularly in counterterrorism and maritime defense—a framing that aligns with Morocco’s own priorities in the Red Sea and Sahara.
European buyers remain dominant, but new markets emerge
Despite the rise of Abraham Accords partners, Europe remains Israel’s largest arms customer, purchasing nearly one-third of its total exports. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy have long been key buyers of Israeli military technology, though recent deals have faced political pushback in some capitals over human rights concerns.
The 30% increase in 2025 exports—cited by government sources—reflects both the global demand for advanced defense systems and Israel’s aggressive marketing of its capabilities. A senior Israeli defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that “the geopolitical shifts of the past five years have created unprecedented opportunities for us to demonstrate our reliability as a partner.”
This expansion comes as Israel faces domestic and international debates over arms sales, particularly regarding potential transfers to countries with volatile security environments. While no major controversies have emerged over Morocco’s purchases, the broader trend raises questions about how these deals may influence regional power balances—especially as Israel’s military engagements in Gaza and the West Bank continue to draw global attention.
What’s next for Israel’s arms trade?
With no immediate signs of slowing demand, Israeli defense firms are expected to continue targeting Abraham Accords nations, particularly those facing shared threats like Iran-backed militias. Morocco’s role as a regional hub for these transactions could further solidify its position as a mediator between Israel and other Arab states, though the long-term sustainability of this model remains uncertain.
For now, the focus remains on the numbers: record exports, new buyers, and a defense industry that has adapted swiftly to shifting global priorities. The question of whether these sales will deepen regional security—or exacerbate existing tensions—will depend on how these alliances evolve in the coming months.
