According to intelligence sources, Pakistan supplied Israel with 155 mm artillery shells, despite Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas. This revelation comes despite Islamabad's historical opposition to the existence of the State of Israel and its refusal to recognize it diplomatically.
This move indicates the existence of a secret supply chain to Israel, as the Akrotiri base of the British Royal Air Force in Cyprus became a major military center for the supply of ammunition to Israel during its war with Hamas.
Pakistan's involvement in this arms supply chain is particularly noteworthy given its historical position toward Israel.
Since its establishment in 1948, Pakistan has not recognized Israel, a position emphasized by a phrase on its passport that explicitly states that it is ineligible to travel to Israel. The Pakistani government has consistently emphasized that it will not attempt to normalize relations with Israel before the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
However, cases of covert interactions between Pakistan and Israel have been reported, including the alleged warning by the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI to Israel regarding the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Abraham 2020 agreement and subsequent international pressure increased discussions in Pakistan on normalizing relations with Israel.
Relations between Pakistan and Israel take on a new dimension in light of recent arms sales.
In September 2023, The Intercept reported on a secret arms sale from Pakistan to the United States, which Islamabad denied, apparently intended for the Ukrainian military, including 155 mm shells.
This development, if proven, indicates a significant change in Pakistan's foreign policy and role in international military affairs, balancing its stated position of "strict neutrality" in the Russia-Ukraine war with behind-the-scenes arms deals.