When the world casts its eyes on the Middle East, a land full of disputes, an undeniable fact is quietly emerging: Israel, a country with a land area only equivalent to that of Hainan Province in China, is rising at an astonishing speed in the fields of technology, military, and economy, exhibiting the rudiments of a great power. From the global export of military technology to the disruptive innovation of artificial intelligence, from the economic miracle emerging from the desert to the “invisible hegemony” in geopolitics, Israel’s rise is full of legends and realistic contradictions. However, on its path to becoming a “great power”, it is intertwined with glamour and predicaments, ambitions and profound paradoxes of reality. This article will reveal the essence and limitations of Israel’s rise to greatness through specific cases and multidimensional analysis.
1. Technology and Military: “Iron and Silicon” Supporting the Framework of Great Powers
The rise of Israel is primarily founded on the dual pillars of technology and military strength. Despite being a resource-scarce and land-limited country, Israel has made remarkable achievements in the military and technological fields through its “nation-building through technology” strategy.
1. Military technology: From “survival tool” to global arms giant
Israel’s military strength has long surpassed the scope of “self-defense” and become a core player in the international arms market. Its military technology not only defends its national security but also serves as an important bargaining chip for its national economy and diplomacy. For example:
“Iron Dome” air defense system: This defense system, which intercepts rockets, is known as Israel’s “technical calling card”. In 2012, Hamas launched over 1,500 rockets at Israel, and the Iron Dome system shocked the world with its high interception success rate of 85%. Nowadays, the system has been exported to countries such as the United States and South Korea, becoming a “standard equipment” in the anti-terrorism war.
Merkava tank and Spike missile: The Merkava tank adopts a modular armor design, enabling rapid replacement of damaged components on the battlefield; while the Spike anti-tank missile possesses a “fire-and-forget” capability, with a range covering tens of kilometers. These equipment are not only equipped by the Israel Defense Forces, but also become core weapons for countries such as India and Vietnam.
AI Empowers War: In 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense established the “Military Robotics Organization” and invested heavily in the research and development of autonomous combat systems. In 2023, AI-equipped surveillance jeeps were deployed along Israel’s borders, automatically identifying threats through real-time data analysis. Its autonomous submarines even carried out intelligence missions in the Red Sea, leading the world in technology.
What is even more shocking is that Israel’s arms exports once ranked fifth globally, second only to traditional powers such as the United States, Russia, and France. Its customers span over 130 countries, including India, Vietnam, Chile, and Brazil. For instance, India signed a $1.5 billion arms purchase agreement with Israel in 2020, purchasing drones and anti-missile systems; France has introduced Israel’s Hermes drones for use in overseas military operations. This technology export not only brings in huge revenues but also gives Israel the upper hand in military diplomacy.
2. Technological innovation: From “Second Silicon Valley” to pioneer of AI revolution
Israel’s technological prowess has long surpassed the geographical label of “Middle East” and become a significant pole in the global innovation landscape. Its technological innovation not only drives the economy but also reshapes the international technological landscape:
The Incubation Miracle of the “Second Silicon Valley”: Israel boasts over 6,000 startups, ranking second only to China and the United States in terms of the number of companies listed on the Nasdaq. Technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM have established research and development centers here, focusing on cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity and AI algorithms. For instance, the autonomous driving technology developed by the Israeli company Mobileye was acquired by Intel for $15.3 billion; the cybersecurity company Check Point stands as a global leader in enterprise-level security solutions.
Disruptive breakthroughs in new energy and agriculture: In the field of solar energy, Israeli households commonly install solar photovoltaic systems, utilizing technology that converts desert sunlight into inexpensive electricity, accounting for 20% of the global new energy market. In agriculture, drip irrigation technology has enabled Israel to achieve food self-sufficiency in the desert, and it exports water-saving irrigation equipment to over 50 countries, becoming a technological paradigm of “turning deserts into oases”.
Pioneer role in the AI revolution: Eyal Zamir, the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, has publicly declared that the country aims to become an “AI superpower”. In 2024, an Israeli team developed the “AI War Prediction System”, which can simulate battlefield situations through big data to assist decision-making; its robotic troops have also verified their cluster attack capabilities in actual combat.
The deep integration of technology and military has endowed Israel with great power capabilities in the technological dimension. However, this combination of “iron and silicon” has also led it into a paradox of “technological dependence”: over-reliance on the export of hard power, while struggling to build genuine “great power soft power”.
II. Economy and Resilience: The “Flower of Innovation” Blooming in the Desert
Israel’s economic achievements can be regarded as a paradigm of “rising from adversity”. In an environment of scarce resources and geopolitical instability, its economic system has demonstrated remarkable resilience.
1. The “Israeli model” behind economic data
GDP and per capita income: In 2024, Israel’s GDP surpassed $500 billion, with per capita GDP exceeding $58,000, ranking among the top 20 in the world. Its economic growth rate has consistently maintained above 4% over the years, which is considered a miracle in the Middle East, where regional conflicts occur frequently.
The explosive power of the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Israel boasts one startup for every 1,844 people, with the highest proportion of venture capital investment in GDP globally. The number of unicorn companies (with valuations exceeding $1 billion) stands at 30, spanning fields such as cybersecurity, medical AI, and autonomous driving. For instance, Waze (a navigation app) was acquired by Google for $1.1 billion; the biopharmaceutical company Oramed’s oral insulin technology for diabetes disrupts traditional healthcare.
The “Impossible Triangle” of Agriculture and Industry: Israel relies on imports for 90% of its food, yet through technological advancements, its agricultural output value has reached billions of dollars. Drip irrigation technology and seawater desalination plants (such as the Ashkelon desalination plant, which produces 660,000 tons of fresh water daily) have transformed resource scarcity into an economic advantage.
2. The three pillars of a resilient economy
Jewish Wisdom and Education System: Israel has increased its education investment to 8% of GDP, with a 100% penetration rate of 12-year compulsory education. Its higher education has produced 10% of the world’s Nobel Prize winners, and its talent pool has become the core driving force for technological innovation.
Efficient Operation in Crisis: Even during wartime, the Israeli economy maintains its resilience. In the 2023 Gaza conflict, the Israeli stock market rebounded quickly after only a brief fluctuation, and the research and development progress of technology companies was not affected. This “wartime economic model” demonstrates the resilience of its system.
Foreign Investment and Global Cooperation: The United States provides Israel with $3.8 billion in military aid annually, further attracting substantial technology investment. Intel has invested over $7 billion in Israel to build a chip factory, and companies like Apple and Samsung have established regional headquarters there, forming a virtuous cycle of “technology-capital”.
Case: Israel’s “Wartime Economic Miracle”
In July 2025, during Israel’s raid on Syria’s underground missile factory, its economic system continued to operate smoothly: technology companies continued to fulfill orders to Europe, agricultural drones patrolled the border while ensuring farmland irrigation, and the stock market rebounded quickly after only a 1.5% drop. This phenomenon of “war and prosperity coexisting” reflects the unique resilience of the Israeli economy.
III. Geopolitics and Diplomacy: Is the US a “Pawn” or a “Quasi-Ally”?
The geopolitical status of Israel is the most complex aspect of its rise as a major power. On the one hand, it relies on the support of the United States to build a security barrier; on the other hand, its military and technological strength quietly challenges the US strategy in the Middle East.
1. US-Israel alliance: from “patronage relationship” to “quasi-equal cooperation”
Military dependence and autonomy balance: The United States is Israel’s largest arms supplier, providing cutting-edge equipment such as F-35 fighter jets and Patriot missile systems. However, Israel is not completely passive: its independently developed Jericho ballistic missiles have a range covering the entire Middle East, implicitly providing a “hedge” against US protection.
The “Israeli characteristics” of diplomatic strategy: Israel is adept at leveraging American influence to expand its own interests. For example, in 2020, it facilitated the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, breaking the diplomatic deadlock in the Middle East; in 2024, it facilitated secret military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel, in exchange for Saudi Arabia’s tacit approval of Israel’s attack on Iran. This kind of “diplomatic maneuvering” enables it to take the initiative in regional games.
Ideological bond: The significant influence of the Jewish community in the American political and business circles (such as former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, both of whom are Jewish) has injected a “super-strategic” bond into US-Israel relations.
2. Regional rivalry: From “isolated island” to “invisible hegemony”
Territorial expansion and actual control: Israel has effectively controlled the Golan Heights and parts of Gaza through military operations, maintaining deterrence along the Lebanese border. In 2024, a pro-Israeli government in Syria came to power with the support of the US military, establishing a “security buffer zone” for it.
Countering Iran’s “Arc of Resistance”: In recent years, Israel has frequently carried out air strikes against Iranian weapons factories in Syria, destroying Hamas’ missile production lines. In June 2025, its special forces destroyed Iran’s underground missile base in just 50 minutes, demonstrating its precision strike capability. This “surgical warfare” has reshaped the military balance in the Middle East.
Exploiting divisions in the Arab world: Israel has covertly collaborated with pro-American factions in countries such as Jordan and Iraq, dismantling anti-Israeli alliances through economic aid and intelligence sharing. For instance, partial control of Iraq’s oil pipelines is actually held by local forces supported by Israel.
Case: “Secret Middle East Agreement” in 2024
Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have signed a secret agreement: Saudi Arabia will allow Israel to use its airspace to strike Iranian targets in exchange for Israeli solar energy technology and cybersecurity systems. Although this agreement has not been publicly announced, it marks the preliminary formation of Israel’s “invisible hegemony” in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
IV. Paradox and Warning: Superpower, or “Elegant Self-interest Power”?
Despite Israel’s approach to the threshold of a major power in terms of technology, military, and economy, its essence remains trapped in multiple paradoxes, making it difficult for it to truly evolve into a superpower in the global sense.
1. The fracture between hard power and soft power
Technological output vs. cultural identity: Israel’s technology and armaments are widely recognized internationally, but its policies towards Palestine have sparked global human rights controversies. The 2024 United Nations Human Rights Report pointed out that Israel’s military operations in Gaza caused over 20,000 civilian casualties, severely damaging its international image.
Safety First vs. Moral Absence: In order to defend its borders, Israel has constructed a high wall and surveillance network in the West Bank, which has been criticized as a “modern segregation policy.” Although this “safety first” logic has maintained domestic stability, it has deprived Israel of the moral high ground necessary for regional leadership.
2. The dilemma of territorial expansion and strategic isolation
The fate of the US “pawn”: Israel’s military actions must align with US interests – for instance, any strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities must avoid triggering a full-scale war in the Middle East, otherwise the US will exert pressure to contain it. In 2025, the US Secretary of State warned Israel: “Any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities must be notified in advance,” revealing its “limited autonomy.”.
Hostility and division in the Arab world: Despite some countries’ covert cooperation with Israel, on the public level, Islamic countries still regard it as a “colonial aggressor”. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia once stated, “If Israel crosses our red lines, we will mobilize Sunni countries to jointly counterattack.” This contradictory relationship makes it difficult for Israel to establish stable regional hegemony.
3. Internal contradictions and future concerns
Population and Resource Crisis: Israel’s annual population growth rate stands at 2%, yet the shortage of water resources is becoming increasingly severe. In 2025, the Israeli government was compelled to initiate the “Desalination Emergency Plan,” yet it still struggles to meet demand. The population expansion and resource bottlenecks will constrain its long-term development.
Risk of social division: Social tensions between Jewish and Arab citizens have intensified, with the rise of extremist religious forces. In 2024, protests in Jerusalem resulted in hundreds of injuries, exposing hidden weaknesses in the country’s internal cohesion.
Case: The “Israeli dilemma” in the international community
In 2025, the United Nations General Assembly voted on the “Human Rights Issues in Israel”, with 120 countries voting to condemn and only a few countries, including the United States, supporting it. This result highlights Israel’s isolated position in global governance – even though it possesses great power, it is difficult to obtain the international legitimacy that a great power should have.
V. Future Outlook: The Dream of Great Power and the Shackles of Reality
The rise of Israel is now irreversible, but its “path to greatness” is fraught with uncertainty. Two possibilities are intertwined:
1. The deepening of “technological hegemonic powers”
If Israel continues to strengthen its technological and military advantages, it may become a “technological hegemon” akin to “Singapore + Sweden”: influencing the world through the export of high-end weapons, AI technology, and new energy solutions, while maintaining “invisible hegemony” in the region and avoiding direct involvement in the competition for international order. Under this model, Israel will consolidate its economic prosperity, but its political influence will be limited.
2. Strategic backlash triggered by “expansion impulse”
If Israel chooses a radical expansionist path (such as fully annexing the Golan Heights or intervening in Iran’s internal affairs), it could trigger a comprehensive conflict in the Middle East. Although the United States provides protection, it will not allow Israel to threaten its own interests – history has proven that when Israel’s actions cross the line, the United States will decisively exert pressure (such as restricting Israel’s counterattacks during the 1991 Gulf War). Furthermore, a joint counterattack by Arab countries and the potential risk of Iran’s nuclearization could both trap Israel in a war quagmire, hindering its economic and technological development.
Warning: The “Israeli trap” of a rising great power
The case of Israel reveals a profound warning: technological and military powers, without inclusive civilization, stable regional relations, and a sense of morality, will eventually be trapped in the cage of “elaborate self-interest”. A true superpower needs to strike a balance between “self-interest” and “altruism” – it can both defend its own interests and contribute to international order and human progress. However, Israel is still on the difficult path of finding this balance point.
Conclusion: Rise and Limitations: The Middle East’s Version of the “Great Power Dilemma”
Will Israel become a great power? The answer may be more complex: in terms of technology and military dimensions, it is already a de facto “regional superpower”; in terms of politics and geopolitics, it is still trapped in the “dilemma of being a small country”. Its future depends on whether it can break through the path dependence of “building a country through strength” and cultivate a true “great power temperament” beyond hard power – that is not only the accumulation of technology or weapons, but also the responsibility for regional responsibilities, the tolerance of diverse civilizations, and the respect for international order. If not, Israel’s “dream of becoming a great power” will eventually be trapped in the vortex of the Middle East, becoming a “nation of sharp edges” with only sharpness but no foundation.
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