Silent embargo hits Israel's ammo supplies amid Gaza conflict

After the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip, some ammunition producers and suppliers of raw materials necessary for its production have decided to implement a "silent and unofficial embargo" on Israel, reported the Israeli financial daily "Kalkalist" on Tuesday.

According to these reports, selected arms suppliers from European countries have ceased contact with their Israeli trade partners.

The "Kalkalist" daily also reported that one of the "foreign powers, which is not the USA and previously traded with Israel," refused to supply raw materials for ammunition production after October 7, 2023.

While the attention of the Israeli public is focused on military aid provided by the USA and the related tensions, the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli army staff are concerned about ammunition shortages following the informal boycott by other countries, the newspaper noted.

The "NYT" daily reported at the beginning of July that the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip began to conserve tank shells to keep some of them for a possible offensive against Hezbollah, which has been attacking the north of the country. These reports have been confirmed by "Kalkalist".

According to the daily the Israeli defense industry has found new suppliers despite these difficulties. Regular shipments from Serbia arrive by air in Tel Aviv.

The "Kalkalist" pointed out that the optimal solution for Israel would be to develop its defense production. Nevertheless, this is a lengthy and costly process, and the amount of ammunition produced would still not be able to meet the needs of the Israeli military.

The daily also emphasized that aside from the political context complicating arms imports to Israel, one must also consider the situation in the global market. This market is experiencing an ammunition shortage, which is being intensely consumed not only in the Gaza Strip but also in Ukraine.