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 land in Israel's Golan Heights now cleared of landmines from the Yom Kippur War will be used to produce green energy.
The various systems supplied to the IDF include long-range deployable observation systems, thermal weapon sights and night vision equipment.
Israel suspended on Sunday a pass easing the Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki's in the West Bank
MIDDLE ISRAEL: Yoav Gallant can be suitable for understanding the changing battlefield's demands but he is a poor politician.
In addition to Iran and the West Bank, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will need to deal with other problems: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pick for IDF chief of staff, though the role went to Herzi Halevi.
The ceremony showed the strong working ties between the two career military men, a contrast from some other offices.
Will this be Yoav Gallant and Benjamin Netanyahu's best chance to redo their missed opportunity in 2010 and attack Iran?
Israel has purchased 12 of the new helicopters to replace its aging Yasur helicopter fleet.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz: "The relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry is stronger than any leader or government."
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