The Israeli Defense Ministry is the government body that manages the security network and oversees security affairs for the state.
The state institutions managed by the Defense Ministry include the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), national museums, archives and memorials, as well as civil, political, and legal divisions that support the military and security network. The Defense Ministry serves as a bridge between the military and civilian infrastructure, including managing budgets, recruitment, and grand strategic decisions. The Defense Ministry also oversees and coordinates national emergencies and responses through the National Emergency Authority (NEMA).
In 2021, the defense minister was Benny Gantz and the director-general was Amir Eshel, who was appointed to the position in 2020. The ministry has had 21 ministers and 24 director-generals since its establishment until 2021. The ministry's headquarters is in Tel Aviv, in the Kirya.
The Defense Ministry works closely with Israeli defense industries. The International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) lobbies foreign governments and holds exhibitions to secure contracts for Israeli private and public defense companies. The Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) researches and promotes new innovations in the fields of defense and security.
The Defense Ministry was established just after the dissolution of the British Mandate, in 1948, and collected and organized the Jewish militia groups into a concerted military and defense force.
The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, along with a strong fighting coalition - which together intercepted the overwhelming majority of the threats.
In a fiery interview, MK Liberman criticized the conduct of the war cabinet, claiming that members are engaging in struggles for power and ego.
Yoav Galant announced joint cooperation between the IDF and the defense ministry to enlist haredi men.
The Israeli Defense Ministry purchased recently new off-road vehicles for use by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are on their way to Israel.
The plane, named Oron, quickly became operational during Israel’s war on Hamas and has already carried out hundreds of operational flight hours and almost 100 sorties.
Hakan Fidan said officials from the countries held several rounds of discussions on topics including Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, defense industry cooperation, energy, and counterterrorism.
Defense Minister Gallant: "If a wide consensus is not achieved, I will not be submitting the conscription law at the behest of the Defense Ministry."
The precedential investigation procedure could dramatically impact the entire trade relationship between Israel and the US.
Movement for Quality of Government in Israel chairman Dr. Eliad Shraga says the underlying issue at hand is one of equality.
The Defense Ministry has accounted for 5,500 soldiers who are already wounded and projects that 20,000 soldiers are expected to be wounded in 2024 from the ongoing war
JPOST Digital Library
