The comment above yours gives a real explanation, where OP posits a question whether Israelis "hate" freedom of expression. This isn't a good question or observation and is something I'd expect from a 9th grader. Of course israeli's don't hate freedom of expression. Who would answer "yes" to that? OP also suggests an answer with the question OP posits-an unsavory answer given the audience of HackerNews nonethless. OPs comment was not researched, obviously negatively biased, and doesn't even have a reasonable suggestive answer.

because they're extrapolating from a few spyware countries come from israel -> does every single israeli hate freedom of press, journalists and human rights. its a pretty bad faith argument and borderline racist

anyway Israel isn't the only one selling spyware software. There are a metric ton of sellers, operators, and people just selling zero-days to any bidder

the answer to their question is that Israel is a dense, highly educated country with a lot of expertise in computer security and other technology areas. VRED is a difficult and exciting area of work, and the pipeline from gaining these skills in the military and translating it to private industry is very real. it has nothing to do with freedom of the press, journalists, or human rights