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 government’s decision to greenlight new civil defense measures follows days of intensive attacks by Iran on civilian homes and infrastructure.
Qassem stated that Iran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment efforts were intended for “peaceful purposes, which it seeks to serve and advance its people.”
Since the start of Operation Rising Lion last Friday, 14 such planes have landed in Israel, along with over 800 others since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, the Defense Ministry noted.
The 55th edition of the air show was also marked by controversy after organizers enclosed Israel’s defense industry booths behind black partition walls.
The Defense Ministry also accused France of specifically blocking off weapons which compete with French weapons as a sort of dirty competition trick.
Operation 'Safe Return': Private airlines and the Mano Maritime shipping company will be mobilized to bring stranded Israelis home by air and by sea.
A revolutionary, cost-effective, precise interception tech critical to Israel’s air defense. It uses advanced laser beams. Which other countries are developing similar cutting-edge systems?
In 2024, Israel hit a record $14.7 billion in defense exports, driven by European demand for its advanced, battle-proven systems and strengthened by global partnerships.
Over half the deals broke $100 million, and over half were with EU countries, some of which have been Israel's loudest critics.
"These are capabilities you only see in movies, which made a decisive contribution before the campaign against our enemies, and some even helped in the elimination of Nasrallah,” Israel Katz said.
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