A view of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) booth at the Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore, Feb. 20, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su

Israel plans to begin the long-awaited privatization of two of its largest defense companies as early as the second quarter of this year, a senior government official said.

Roi Kahlon, director of the Government Companies Authority, said union and regulatory issues should be resolved in the next few months to allow initial public offerings by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in the second quarter.

Defense privatization has been discussed on and off for the past 20 years, but robust financial results bolstered by Israel‘s two-year war with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza have strengthened the case to act now.

COMPANY STAKES TO BE SOLD IN SMALL TRANCHES, OFFICIAL SAYS

The government plans an initial sale of 25-30% of each company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in small tranches this year and next to avoid overwhelming the market and to retain controlling stakes for now.

“If you want to maximize valuation of the sale, we must make it in steps,” Kahlon told Reuters, adding that the companies and Defense Ministry were in agreement on this.

IAI, which makes missile defense and unmanned aerial systems, is valued at about $20 billion. Rafael, which makes the Iron Dome anti-missile system as well as a new Iron Beam anti-missile laser, is valued at about $10 billion.

“We have an opportunity now … because of the high value of both companies,” Kahlon said.

Accountant General Yali Rothenberg said in November that plans to privatise IAI were taking shape after a ministerial panel approved a plan to sell up to 49% through an IPO.

Rafael has also begun IPO preparations, Kahlon said, citing discussions with company officials and the company’s desire not to hand any advantage to rivals.

A Rafael spokesperson declined to comment.

IAI Chief Executive Boaz Levy told Reuters an IPO is crucial to the company’s expansion plans. “We should look toward the future,” he said. “It’s very important for the company because [IAI] needs to grow.”

Private ownership will also free the companies of bureaucracy that can hamper decision-making, Kahlon said, pointing to the success Israel Military Industries since it was bought by Elbit in 2018. IMI is now valued at four times its 1.8 billion shekel ($571 million) purchase price, he said.

Ashdod port could also be privatised next year, Kahlon added without disclosing further detail.