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.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and security chiefs reportedly argued over discussions held about the course of the war, including questions of the day after in Gaza.
Smotrich blocked the purchase of more jet fighters from Lockheed-Martin and Boeing, citing concerns this was not the wisest way to improve defense capabilities.
The application, "Memory Paths," allows individuals to navigate to graves in military cemeteries, giving users information about the fallen buried there.
Gov't continuing judicial reform by disregarding binding legal opinion, attorney general says
Saudi Assistant Defense Minister Al Otaibi visits Pakistan for defense talks, following closely after a trip by Saudi FM to enhance economic ties. Both visits underscore a deepening relationship.
The funds were acquired throughout the war by the Plunder Seizure Unit of the Technology and Logistics Branch.
Defense ministry announces that 7,209 IDF soldiers are wounded, 2,111 with emotional harm.
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.
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