Story perspectives

Czech eyes Israeli Spyder, Arrow; launches Tel Aviv forum

7/15/2026

Center

Czech Eyes Israel

Czech officials are evaluating Israel’s Spyder and Arrow air-defence systems as part of a broader push for advanced capability.
Petr Macinka and Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration establishing a permanent annual business forum in Tel Aviv.
The Czech Republic is in talks with Israeli firms to acquire the air-defence systems.
Gideon Sa’ar thanked the Czech Republic for its support and for resisting EU pressure.

Left

Sa'ar Launches Forum

More than 200 Israeli and Czech companies gathered for the inaugural Israel-Czech business forum, showing broad private-sector interest.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka signed a declaration creating a permanent annual business forum.
Petr Macinka pledged continued economic cooperation and political backing for Israel within the European Union.
Gideon Sa'ar thanked the Czech Republic for its longstanding moral support of Israel in Europe.

History

Historical Context

After the Velvet Revolution toppled Czechoslovakia’s Communist regime in November 1989, President Václav Havel restored ties with Israel during a 1990 state visit that produced a $10 million technology pact and twelve defence-minister meetings. The breakthrough paved the way for today’s Czech Minister Petr Macinka and Israeli Minister Gideon Sa’ar to sign a forum declaration and pursue Spyder and Arrow air-defence deals.

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Czech Eyes Israel

Czech officials are evaluating Israel’s Spyder and Arrow air-defence systems as part of a broader push for advanced capability.
Petr Macinka and Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration establishing a permanent annual business forum in Tel Aviv.
The Czech Republic is in talks with Israeli firms to acquire the air-defence systems.
Gideon Sa’ar thanked the Czech Republic for its support and for resisting EU pressure.

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