Israel Weapon Industries

Category: Challenging

Israeli small arms manufacturer producing Uzi, Tavor, Galil, and Negev weapons used by IDF and exported to military and law enforcement worldwide

HQ: Israel Website Updated: 6 Jan 2026

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Company Leadership
Executive Team
Private company with limited public disclosure
Public contact: Via corporate website

Material Risk Framing

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Legal & Compliance

Weapons exported to over 90 countries subject to arms export regulations; documented use by forces accused of human rights violations creates legal exposure for importers

Financial & Investor

Privatised from state ownership in 2005; revenue dependent on military contracts and civilian sales subject to regulatory changes

Reputational & Brand

Weapons directly used by IDF in military operations; brand association with occupation forces creates public relations risk for police and military clients

Operational & Supply Chain

US manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania (moving to Tennessee 2025); India facility planned; international operations subject to export controls

Strategic Analysis

In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.

CHALLENGING PRIORITY TARGET MONITORING TARGET Strategic Vulnerability → Severity → Severity: 9.0, Vulnerability: 4.5

High severity, lower vulnerability — requires long-term divestment pressure

Learn about our methodology — companies are categorised based on severity (harm potential) vs strategic vulnerability (campaign leverage).

Why do these scores change?

Unlike static boycott lists, our targeting model is dynamic. This company's position on the matrix is re-evaluated continually as we verify new contracts, divestments, or policy changes. Your reporting directly impacts this score.

Israel Weapon Industries is one of the world's most recognisable small arms manufacturers, famous for the Uzi submachine gun that has been exported to over 90 countries with more than 10 million units produced. The company now supplies the IDF with Tavor and Galil assault rifles, Negev light machine guns, and various pistols - weapons used in ongoing military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. IWI's privatisation in 2005 and subsequent international expansion, including US manufacturing facilities and planned Indian production, make it a significant target for arms embargo campaigns.

Key Leverage Points

  • US Manufacturing: Pennsylvania facility (moving to Tennessee 2025) creates domestic regulatory and legislative pressure opportunities
  • Law Enforcement Sales: Police department procurement decisions subject to local political pressure and community campaigns
  • Export Licensing: International sales require export licenses subject to human rights review in many jurisdictions
  • India Expansion: Planned manufacturing facility creates new pressure point through Indian civil society

Evidence Summary

IWI weapons are standard issue for IDF forces conducting operations in occupied territories. The company's own marketing emphasises deployment by "Israel Defense Forces and other leading global organizations." Campaign Against Arms Trade documents the company's role in Israeli military operations. The War on West Papua project documents IWI weapons use by Indonesian forces accused of human rights violations, demonstrating the pattern of exports to abusive forces internationally.

Engagement Strategy

Target US law enforcement procurement through local community campaigns opposing purchase of Israeli weapons. Engage state and federal legislators on export licensing conditions for IWI US operations. Support campaigns in India opposing planned manufacturing facility. Document IWI weapon use in specific incidents to build evidence base for arms embargo advocacy. Coordinate with international arms control organisations on strengthening end-use monitoring and human rights vetting for Israeli weapons exports.

Evidence & Sources

Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.

NGO
2024-01-01
CAAT: Israel Weapon Industries Profile

Details IWI's role as primary small arms supplier to IDF and international military exports

Open source
Report
2024-01-01
War on West Papua: IWI Company Profile

Documents IWI weapons use by Indonesian forces and international human rights concerns

Open source
Corporate Statement
2024-01-01
IWI US: Our Story

Company confirms US manufacturing operations and plans to expand Tennessee facility in 2025

Open source

Updates & Milestones

  1. Tennessee Expansion

    Moving to new US facility in Tennessee to expand manufacturing and development

  2. Tavor Recognition

    Tavor wins NRA's 'Rifle of the Year' Golden Bullseye award

  3. IWI US Operations

    US subsidiary begins operations, brings Tavor SAR to American market

  4. Privatisation

    Small Arms Division of IMI privatised and renamed Israel Weapon Industries

  5. Uzi Development

    Uzi submachine gun developed, eventually exported to over 90 countries with 10+ million produced

  6. Company Founded

    Established as part of what would become Israel Military Industries

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