Gallant meets Austin on Euro trip

BY DAVID SAFFER

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the US Embassy in Brussels during a whistle stop trip to Europe.

Gallant travelled on to the Paris Air Show where he held talks with the defence ministers of France, Italy, Hungary and Romania.

Gallant and Austin discussed security and military coordination between Israel and the US to prevent Iran gaining military nuclear capabilities. He also raised challenges faced by Israel as a result of Iranian aggression via proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Judea and Samaria.

Gallant stressed Israel’s right to defend itself against any threat.

The parties agreed to increase joint military exercises including the IDF and CENTCOM troops.

Gallant also met European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, leaders of the Belgian Jewish community and Jewish organisations at the Great Synagogue of Brussels.

Gallant and IMoD Director General Eyal develop state-of-the-art technology. This challenging battle of intellect mostly takes place behind the scenes. I can affirm that Israel surpasses its adversaries in defensive and offensive capabilities.”

Regarding the Iranian regime, he noted: “Iran is closer than ever to gaining military-nuclear capabilities. It is conducting a war of attrition against us by engaging in proxy terrorism. This clear strategy aims to destabilise not only the region but also the world. The defense establishment is working to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, utilising all the resources at our disposal.”

Zamir added: “The global landscape is evolving, bringing multidimensional threats and opportunities. Countries are allocating substantial resources, doubling and even tripling their defense budgets. They will be a central focus in the MoD’s multi-year plan. We will persist in taking action to streamline bureaucratic processes and increase investments in research and development. Our goal is to spearhead innovative capabilities in energy weapons, space technology and satellites, defense cyber capabilities and AI

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collaboration,” said Zamir.

Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit Systems President, noted: “Israel has adopted a strategy of security independence and the pavilion illustrates this well. It presents the capacity of the Israeli industry, as well as the innovative and effective solutions that respond to the military and security needs of Israel and, as a result, to the needs that are developing around the world.”

Gallant led the delegation following record-breaking defense exports of over $12.5

Data was presented at a defense industry conference led by Gallant at MoD headquar-

A record was set in UAV and drone exports. Abraham Accord exports to countries hit $3 billion. Defense exports have doubled in under a decade and increased 50% in the past

Gallant said: “The data showcases Israel's strength and technological capabilities. Through the creativity and innovation of the Israeli defense establishment and MoD we outpace our adversaries but sustain our

Other exports included air defense systems, radar, manned aircrafts and avionics, observation and optronics, weapon stations and launchers, communication systems, intelligence, information and cyber systems, ammunition and maritime systems.

Defense export data by geographic distribution was to Asia and the Pacific Region (30%), Europe (29%), North America (11%), Abraham Accords countries (24%), Africa (3%) and Latin America (3%).

Zamir said: “The strategic partnership between the IMOD, IDF, and defense industries combines technology, operational experience and global strategic ties, and has again proven to be a game-changer. Global instability increases the demand for air defense systems, drones, UAVs and missiles, and we continually work to preserve our capabilities and strengthen them.”

Kulas added: “Demand for solutions has grown in the past year manifesting in the sharp increase in agreements between defense ministries. Looking ahead, the geostrategic changes in Europe and Asia in addition to the Abraham Accords generate a high demand for Israel’s cutting-edge systems.”

The Israeli delegation held discussions with global counterparts.

Kulas said: “Israel’s defense establishment and industries have long been at the forefront of pioneering technology and solutions earning international recognition.”

Israeli companies included Ashot Ashkelon Industries, Bet Shemesh Engines, Bluebird Aero Systems, Elbit Systems, Enercon Technologies, Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, SpearUAV, Steadicopter, Thermal Beacon and UVISION Air.

Auschwitz-Birkenau visitor centre

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum has inaugurated a new Visitor Services

A ceremony took place during commemoration events marking 83 years since the first transport of Poles to the former death camp. The centre includes the entrance building that houses a bookshop, restaurant, car park and other facilities. The cinema hall, where visitors watch an introductory film has also

A three-story hostel is being built next to the centre which will accommodate volunteers, trainees, and participants in extended study visits, conferences and seminars. The project will prevent the destruction of the original building during the camp's existence.

“The centre has been created in historic buildings related to the camp's history,” said Andrzej Kacorzyk, ICEAH. “The infrastructure is fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Some rooms have been allocated for the International Centre for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust. A point has also been created for information about victims of the German Nazi camp Auschwitz.”

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