Mr. President,

At the outset, please allow me to thank you, Ambassador Takamizawa, for your vigorous efforts in the preparation process of this Fourth 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. You all demonstrated your leadership in those proceedings and in your skillful oversight of our deliberations.

Israel has long recognized the importance of controlling the export of arms, in order to prevent the illicit trade of arms. On a national level, Israel maintains robust legislation, regulations and policies aimed at effectively controlling the export of arms. On an international level, Israel actively and constructively participated throughout the negotiations of the Arms Trade Treaty and was pleased to become a Signatory State to this instrument.

Mr. President,

For many years, Israel has maintained an export control mechanism, which fully addresses the challenges associated with preventing defense and dual use equipment, technology and services from falling into the hands of terrorist groups, countries that support them, as well as to transnational crime organizations and illegal end users. Israel attaches great importance to its export control regulations as part of the global efforts to curb and prevent the irresponsible spread of arms around the world, and to diminish the threat posed by hostile and oppressive regimes in this context, as well as non-state actors.

Israel is of a view that the Arms Trade Treaty is an appropriate and relevant forum to address the trade in arms. Therefore, it is highly unfortunate that one of the least represented regions at the ATT is the Middle East. We in Israel, unfortunately witness on a regular basis, the consequences of illicit trafficking of arms. Illegal arms, in unparalleled quantities and qualities, are sold, diverted, exported, transferred and looted in our region, with little regard to international standards. Those arms are deliberately transferred, proliferated or end up through inadequate controls, in the hands of terrorist organizations - and countries that support them - that intentionally and indiscriminately target the civilian population and civilian infrastructure.

Mr. President,

We believe that the Arms Trade Treaty is an important milestone in the international community's commitment and effort to fight the unauthorized arms trade and eradicate illicit trafficking. Setting international norms and standards, while taking into consideration national security concerns, are of vital importance. The efficient implementation of these norms and standards enhance the collective security of all states. Israel reaffirms its commitment to continue to effectively apply its national export controls, which uphold these standards. We believe that the prevention of diversion of arms to unauthorized recipients, in particular to terrorists, is also of paramount importance and must be accorded due attention within the scope of the ATT.

Israel took part in the preparatory process leading to this Conference and will continue to actively cooperate in all issues that are still to be addressed. We believe that the Arms Trade Treaty is an important instrument in the international community's fight against illegal arms trade. The efficient implementation of the treaty is based on national commitment and we affirm Israel's highest standards of responsibility in this regard. We wish for a successful outcome of this important conference.

Mr. President,

In accordance with the letter submitted by Israel to the depository on March 29th, 2018, regarding the purported Palestinian accession to the convention, membership in the convention, any presentation of credentials, as well as all official documents of the ATT and lists in those documents, do not imply the expression of any opinion regarding, and is without prejudice to, the legal status of any country or territory or of its authorities.

Thank you very much.