Elbit Plans 4,000 Defense Hires in 2026

Elbit Systems CEO Bezalel Machlis said the company plans to hire 2,000 more workers worldwide by year-end, bringing 2026 hiring to 4,000 after 2,000 joined in the first half. Speaking earlier in the week at the Herzliya conference, Machlis said Elbit is expanding production and development in Israel and abroad, including Ramat Beka, to lift munitions output and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. He tied the push to long wars, drone threats, AI, autonomy and strong European demand for Israeli products. For Israel, this is defense depth and employment: a stronger local industrial base supports IDF readiness, allies, wounded soldiers and Jewish talent entering the sector.