No they don’t. 3 to 5% max.
In 2022, Israel’s military expenditure as a share of GDP was 4.51% (Source: Israel - Military expenditure (% of GDP) - 2024 Data 2025 Forecast 1960-2022 Historical)In 2021, Israel’s military expenditure as a share of GDP was 5.62% (Source: Israel - Military expenditure (% of GDP))In 2020, Israel’s military expenditure as a share of GDP was 5.2% (Source: Israel Military spending/defense budget 1960-2024)
Of 198 countries, Israel is #10:
Top 20 Countries with the Highest Military Spending as a Percentage of GDP (2022)
Ukraine: 33.55%
Saudi Arabia: 7.42%
Qatar: 6.96%
Togo: 5.44%
Oman: 5.17%
Jordan: 4.84%
Algeria: 4.78%
Azerbaijan: 4.55%
Kuwait: 4.53%
Israel: 4.51%
Armenia: 4.32%
Russia: 4.06%
Morocco: 3.9%
Greece: 3.69%
USA: 3.45%
My original point stands:
“Israel does pony up a huge fraction of their GDP for defense.”