Israeli Firms Aid Russia’s Military Production Despite Sanctions
A new investigation reveals that despite sanctions and Israel’s neutrality declaration, Israeli companies exported over $10 million in metalworking tools to Russia’s defense sector in 2024 alone. Major suppliers like ISCAR, Vargus, and Carmex utilized indirect routes through China and Uzbekistan to circumvent restrictions, with tools ending up in factories producing missiles, aircraft, and air defense systems. Company representatives cited limited control over distribution chains, while the investigation highlights the effectiveness of third-party rerouting in supplying sanctioned industries with crucial technologies. This continues a pattern of sanctions evasion, as seen previously with the import of bearings into Russia.