JERUSALEM, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Israeli defence firm Elbit

Systems reported higher quarterly profit in

the third quarter, boosted by strong demand from global

customers and from Israel's military to fight Hamas militants in

Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

One of Israel's largest defence contractors, the company

said on Tuesday it earned $2.21 per diluted share excluding

one-time items in the third quarter, compared to $1.71 a year

earlier.

Revenue rose to $1.72 billion from $1.50 billion, led by

drone and other aerospace sales.

Its order backlog reached $22 billion, with two-third of

that from foreign customers. About 37% of the backlog is slated

to be performed the rest of 2024 and in 2025.

Elbit's board declared a third-quarter dividend of $0.50 per

share, the same as in the second quarter.