Israel Faces Arms and Equipment Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflicts
The Israeli army is currently grappling with a significant arms and equipment crisis, often referred to as the "Merkava crisis," as reported by Maariv newspaper. This crisis stems from the prolonged military engagements in Gaza and Lebanon, which have severely depleted the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) stockpiles of essential military hardware, including fighter jets, Merkava 4 tanks, and armored personnel carriers. The military correspondent, Avi Ashkenazi, highlighted that many of these assets have been destroyed or rendered inoperable due to resistance missile attacks, prompting an urgent need for replenishment and spare parts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that one of the critical factors influencing the decision to implement a ceasefire in Lebanon was the necessity to restore depleted weapon stockpiles. A security source emphasized that Israel's immediate challenge post-ceasefire lies not just in Lebanon, but also in securing military support from allies like the United States and Germany. The IDF is reportedly seeking to procure large quantities of advanced weapons systems, including fighter jets, helicopters, tanks, and various munitions to bolster its capabilities.
Aging Military Assets and Supply Chain Challenges
The situation is further complicated by the aging condition of Israeli fighter jets, which have exceeded their planned operational hours, leading to a pressing need for new aircraft, particularly F-15 and F-35 models. The Israeli Air Force is also facing difficulties with its Apache helicopters, many of which are in poor condition due to extensive combat use. Although Israel sought temporary assistance from the U.S. for used helicopters, these requests were declined.
In light of these challenges, the Israeli military is considering replacing its Apache helicopters with Black Hawk models, which could be retrofitted with weapon systems for combat support. Despite plans for a rapid acquisition of new aircraft, including 100 F-35s and 100 F-15s, Ashkenazi reported that U.S. restrictions on military aid and delays in heavy munitions deliveries have hampered these efforts.
Additionally, the ongoing global arms race, fueled by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in Taiwan, has intensified competition for military resources, complicating Israel's procurement strategies. The Israeli government is reportedly preparing for a potential shift in U.S. leadership, anticipating that a return of Donald Trump to the presidency could facilitate the resumption of military supplies and new acquisitions.
The Merkava crisis extends to the production of new tanks, with the IDF needing hundreds of Merkava-4 tanks and spare parts that are primarily sourced from the U.S. and Germany. Domestic production capabilities are currently insufficient to meet these demands, leading the army to retain older Merkava 3 tanks and upgrade them instead of decommissioning them. Furthermore, a shortage of artillery has forced Israel to resort to using outdated cannons from the 1960s, exacerbated by an arms embargo from various countries and production delays at local military industries.
