As Arkansas Strengthens Ties With Israel, Economics and Politics Intertwine
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a 10-year agreement between Arkansas and the Israel Innovation Authority, expanding cooperation in technology and defense. The pact builds on recent investments, including a missile plant in Camden, and carries both economic and political significance.
Arkansas is expanding its partnership with Israel through new agreements and investments that combine economic development with political symbolism. During her recent visit to Israel, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an agreement between the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA). The pact connects Arkansas to Israel’s world-renowned high-tech sector, recognized for innovation and problem-solving. Sanders also took part in roundtable discussions with Israeli technology leaders, emphasizing the state’s commitment to investment and international cooperation.
A Long-Term Agreement
The memorandum of understanding between the AEDC and the IIA reflects the longstanding relationship and shared values between Arkansas and Israel while outlining a joint goal of advancing research, development, and technological innovation.
The agreement is nonbinding and creates no legal or financial obligations for either party. It will remain in effect for 10 years.
Plans outlined in the pact include promoting business and delegation exchanges, sharing information, participating in economic development events, and collaborating on research and development projects. The intent is to generate innovative products and processes using emerging technologies with the potential for global commercialization. Implementation could involve technical workshops, joint research initiatives, investment forums, and delegation visits.
Defense Industry Cooperation
Governor Sanders has been a strong advocate for strengthening ties between Arkansas’s defense sector and Israel. In October 2023, Raytheon Technologies partnered with Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to establish a $33 million missile plant in East Camden. The facility, which began operations this year, produces missiles for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and for SkyHunter, its American equivalent.
South Arkansas has become a growing hub for defense contracting. L3Harris, a U.S. technology company, invested in a rocket motor production campus in Camden after Sanders met with company leaders during a trade mission to France and Switzerland in June. State officials expect more contracts from Israel to follow.
Politics and Symbolism
The partnership not only fosters economic development and investment but also carries strong political meaning. For Governor Sanders, closer ties with Israel bolster her support among conservatives, even as Democrats and liberal critics point to concerns over the state’s position on Gaza.
Her meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and her comments about resisting shared threats and defending common values have positioned her as one of the most outspoken pro-Israel leaders in the United States. By holding the memorandum signing in Jerusalem and referring to the regions of Judea and Samaria, Sanders further aligned Arkansas with Israel’s positions.
These steps, combined with expected economic gains, are likely to reinforce her standing with conservative voters at home.
