Israel plans to buy “tens of thousands” of assault rifles from local businesses to renew and strengthen the Israel Defense Forces’ stockpile of weapons, the Defense Ministry announced this week. This move is part of a requirement to ensure independent production of weapons, and the procurement of American weapons will also continue.
Retired Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, chairman and founder of the Israel Defense And Security Forum, noted the importance of Israel not depending on others for armaments and believed that the current situation calls for Israel to bridge over the gaps in its own production capacity.
Two domestic companies, Israel Weapon Industries and Emtan, manufacture assault rifles and may compete to supply the new procurement, which is intended to replace rifles worn out in the war against Hamas. The new rifles will join the current inventory, which includes the M16 and Tavor rifles.
The Biden administration has expressed that the U.S. is working on a deal to secure a six-week halt to hostilities and release hostages. This announcement coincides with the procurement of new rifles for Israel.
