The Defense Ministry plans to spend NIS 150 million on more than 200 armored vehicles for communities near the Gaza border, the northern border, and in the West Bank.
Local security groups near Gaza and the northern border have been under the threat of anti-tank weapons for years. During the October 7 terrorist attack, they had no independent patrol or maneuvering capability that could resist gunfire.
Had they had such vehicles, it would not have averted the entire tragedy by a long shot, but it could have saved many lives and prolonged some of the battles until IDF reinforcements arrived.
So far, there has been no similar specific anti-tank missile threat in the West Bank, where the IDF has much better control and oversight over weapons smuggling. Since October 7, however, there has been growing concern regarding the threat of even smaller-scale terrorist invasions.
Commander: armored vehicles are 'significant component' in strengthening security
A recent Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) operation that eliminated a terrorist cell in a West Bank hospital was ordered to preempt an invasion of a settlement.
Plasan Reem and Fight Tech Engineering Bar-Lev won the tender to supply the vehicles after a competitive bidding process, and they are due to be provided to the local security groups in the coming months.
“Purchasing armored vehicles for local security groups constitutes a significant component in strengthening security for villages on the frontlines,” said Ground Forces Col. Yaniv Walfer, head of protection.
Avi Mashiach, deputy director for Ground Forces acquisition, said the armored vehicles would supplement additional weapons, other defensive equipment, and safes for keeping weapons safe within local security individuals’ houses.
An additional error on October 7 that led to the loss of lives was that local security group’s guns were kept in a central location, and the members were killed on their way to get them.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) said it would distribute more than NIS 7.5m. in the coming weeks toward the purchase of nine armored security vehicles for border communities.
“Well before the onset of this terrible war, we had been working to address the security needs of Israel’s communities, and it is therefore a source of pride and comfort to see how that investment helped save countless lives on that fateful October day,” IFCJ President Yael Eckstein said. “With that knowledge and experience, we see it as our responsibility, opportunity, and privilege to further expand our support in ways that we know will now help on the northern border. While we pray for safer and better days very soon, the IFCJ is actively assisting in all ways possible in defending our country and supporting the diverse needs of our people during these deeply challenging times.”