Israeli consul general indicates increased defense industry spending in Arizona

PHOENIX — The Israeli Consul General of the Pacific Southwest said there’s a “good chance” the Middle Eastern nation’s minister of defense will make a stop in Arizona next month.

Consul General Israel Bachar also said the U.S. ally is exploring investments in Arizona to boost its own military defense industry.

“The State of Israel views Arizona … as … important in supporting and fostering the relationship between Israel and America,” Bachar told KTAR News 92.3 FM during a Wednesday trip to the Arizona State Capitol.

Why was Israeli consul general visiting Arizona?

Bachar visited the Capitol as a guest of Arizona state Rep. Tony Rivero, who brought the consul general onto the Arizona House floor. Many state lawmakers applauded when Rivero, a Republican, introduced Bachar.

“As the relationship has had its ups and downs, the message that we want to send loud and clear is … the Arizona House of Representatives stands with the State of Israel,” Rivero said.

It’s unclear exactly how Israel is planning to expand its defense industry into Arizona, though Rivero emphasized that the state already has a billion-dollar trade partnership with Israel.

Additionally, Bachar highlighted Raytheon, a Tucson-based U.S. military industry contractor, as a “leading” defense company.

Israel interested in semiconductor technologies, he says

He also indicated Israel is interested in cooperation with U.S. industries on semiconductor technologies, software development and artificial intelligence.

“Technology, you know, it’s not only about defense,” Bachar said.

During the visit, Bachar met with Arizona Republican House Speaker Steve Montenegro in a closed-door meeting.

Bachar said they talked about antisemitism, adding that Israeli leaders want to ensure communities they invest in respond to the issue and don’t foster what he referred to as “not fair criticism against Israel.”

Israeli consul general discusses foreign policy

Despite recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy and military escalations involving Venezuela, Iran and Greenland, Bachar said the U.S. remains a strong partner to Israel.

“I think Israel is the best investment for the American people for many aspects,” Bachar said. “At the end of the day, we share the same values and values matter.”

Rivero agreed, adding that he sees Arizona as in lockstep with Israel.

“Israel is our top ally in the Middle East,” Rivero said. “Our interests are Israel’s interests.”

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