Israel is known for having one of the strongest armed forces in the Middle East, and the country’s powerful defense has been activated by a war with the terrorist organization Hamas that began over the weekend.
The war, which began after a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday, has claimed the lives of at least 2,200 people, including 1,200 Israelis and 1,050 Palestinians. Thousands more have been injured, according to the latest tally from the Associated Press.
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Here is everything to know about Israel’s military as it faces its biggest conflict in 50 years:
How big is Israel’s army?
Israel’s army has 2,200 tanks and 530 artillery units in its arsenal, and it has 169,500 active military members and 465,000 in its reserves during peacetime, according to Al Jazeera. However, there are currently 300,000 soldiers stationed near its border with the Gaza Strip.
On its naval side, Israel has five submarines and 49 patrol and coastal ships. Israel also touts 339 combat aircraft, including 309 fighter jets, and the country has 142 helicopters. It’s also home to the world-renowned Iron Dome air defense system, which defends the country against incoming rockets.
What is the Iron Dome?
The Iron Dome is a network of radars and missile launchers that Israel uses to identify incoming short-range rockets and intercept them if they are headed toward a sensitive or civilian area. The system was developed by two Israeli companies with support from the United States. It has touted a success rate as high as 90% and was first deployed in 2011.
The Iron Dome system has 10 batteries stationed around the country, and they are strategically placed near highly populated areas and cities. Each battery includes three to four launchers, and each launcher can hold up to 20 interceptors, according to Raytheon. Each battery can protect up to 60 square miles and can detect rockets up to 43 miles away.
How much does Israel spend on its military?
Israel spent $23.4 billion on its military in 2022, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. It spent $2,535 per capita from 2018-2022, making it the second highest spender per capita in the world, placing it between Qatar and the United States, which is third. The United States spent $2,101 per person on its military during the same period. Qatar spends $3,379 proportionately.
Who serves in Israel’s military?
Israel requires every resident over 18 to serve in its armed forces, regardless of gender. However, men are expected to serve at least 32 months, and women are expected to serve 24 months. After serving on active duty, service members can go into the reserves, where they can remain until they are approximately 40 or 50, depending on their role, according to Hindustan Times.
Does Israel have nuclear capabilities?
While no Israeli official will confirm or deny the existence of nuclear weapons, it is widely believed that the country possesses 80-90 nuclear warheads. But these will not be used against Hamas unless the situation is extremely dire and the future of the country is at stake. Israeli military doctrine says nuclear weapons should be used as a “final deterrent,” according to Sky News.
What has the United States contributed to Israel’s defense?:
The U.S. is the biggest contributor to Israeli defense, having sent $2.1 billion worth of equipment to Israel from 2018-2022. These items were purchased and exported to the country. The U.S. has also purchased defense items from the Middle Eastern country, totaling $217 million between 2018-2022.
The U.S. also supplies the country with $3.8 billion in military aid each year as part of a 10-year agreement signed under former President Barack Obama in 2016.
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In its war with Hamas, the U.S. has vowed to help by restocking the Iron Dome with missiles, and the Pentagon has sent munitions to Israel. The U.S. has also deployed additional Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.
The U.S. is expected to send additional aid to Israel pending congressional approval, but it’s unclear when the new aid would be approved because the House of Representatives is working to secure a new leader.
