​Mr. President,

At the outset please allow me to thank you, Ambassador Korhonen, for your tireless efforts in the preparation process of this Third Conference of State Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty. Our appreciation also goes to the hard work of the Secretariat, headed by Mr. Dumisani DLADLA and to the members of the working groups who have shown much dedication, contributing to the establishment of this treaty. 

Mr. President,

It is Israel's long-standing view that controlling the export of arms is an important mean of diminishing the threat posed both by hostile, belligerent and oppressive regimes, as well as by non-state actors. To this end, Israel has actively and constructively participated throughout the negotiations of the Arms Trade Treaty and was pleased to become a Signatory State to this instrument. 

Israel maintains a robust regime of arms export control and adheres to other multilateral export control regimes’ lists that supports the global efforts to curb and prevent the irresponsible spread of arms. Israel's relevant legislation, regulations and policies, are aimed at achieving effective control of the export of arms, and their munitions and components. Israel updates its export control regime regularly, in an attempt to fully address the evolving challenges and threats associated with arms and technology falling into the hands of terrorist groups, terror sponsoring regimes and other unauthorized recipients. 

Mr. President,

In this context, it is highly unfortunate that one of the least represented regions at the Arms Trade Treaty is the Middle East region, which is one of the regions that needs it most. In the Middle East, arms are sold in an unparalleled quantities and qualities, diverted, exported, transferred and looted, with little or no regard to international standards. Arms are deliberately transferred to terrorist organizations and terror sponsoring states or end up in their hands due to inadequate controls. The consequences of such illicit trafficking of arms is, among others, the intentional and indiscriminate targeting of civilian population and civilian infrastructure.

Mr. President,

The Arms Trade Treaty is a significant milestone in the international community's commitment and effort to fight the illicit arms trade, setting norms and standards while taking into consideration national security concerns. The efficient implementation of these norms and standards is based on national commitment and we reaffirm Israel's commitment to continue to effectively apply its national export controls, which uphold these standards. Israel also believes that this Treaty, and the principle of responsible trade in conventional weapons underpinning it, is a vital component towards achieving the long-term agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals, mainly goal 16.4 calling for significant reduction in illicit arms flows by 2030. 

Mr. President,

Israel looks forward to this week and to the exchange of views on the outcome of the three working groups. Israel believes that the implementation of the high standards and norms of export control, especially in the prone regions and states, is the most critical and pressing issue which needs to be addressed.  Israel took part in the preparatory process leading to this Conference and will continue to actively cooperate regarding issues on the table. We wish all a successful week.

I thank you.