Defense Ministry promotes munitions self-sufficiency and technological edge
Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram visited Covenant, a growing Israeli defense technology company, as part of ongoing tours supporting the ministry’s strategy to strengthen Israel’s defense ecosystem.
The strategy brings together the IDF and defense industries, with the ministry coordinating and driving the effort. The visit focused on munitions self-sufficiency, expanding Israel’s manufacturing base and preserving its qualitative and technological edge.
Baram said ministry policy supports emerging defense technology companies and startups alongside established industries.
“This balance is essential to encouraging healthy competition, innovation and thinking outside the box, and to maintaining our qualitative edge and developing the ‘next surprises.’”
He said Israel must prepare for a decade of intense security challenges and adapt its plans to global changes and the evolving battlefield.
“Defense exports are a critical engine of growth and an enabler of the IDF’s force buildup and the provision of a critical mass of advanced systems to frontline troops, while also strengthening the economy and industry,” Baram said.
IDF offers anonymous return of weapons and military equipment
The IDF has launched a weapons and equipment return campaign, particularly aimed at reservists who may have taken army gear home during the past three years of war.
Between November 1 and 12, approximately 65 stations and collection points will open at bases across the country, with no questions asked.
The military says soldiers in both the standing army and reserves can return weapons and equipment “without the need to identify themselves and without prosecution for their unlawful removal, possession or carrying.”
Items sought include firearms, night-vision and communications equipment, uniforms, protective gear including ceramic vests, helmets and tactical vests, and medical equipment, among other gear.
The military says the operation aims to “strengthen public safety,” prevent military equipment from being used outside the IDF and ensure weapons are held only by authorized personnel.
“The operation is also intended to reduce the risks associated with keeping weapons in unsafe conditions and prevent them from reaching hostile elements,” the IDF said.
Interceptor launched toward suspicious target in southern Lebanon
An interceptor was launched the other night toward a suspicious aerial target identified in an area where IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon. No sirens sounded, in accordance with protocol.
Security exercise scheduled at Sha’ar Efrayim crossing
The Defense Ministry’s Crossings Authority will hold a security exercise at the Sha’ar Efrayim crossing today, Friday, October 30, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, Israel time.
Increased movement of emergency and rescue forces will be noticeable during the exercise.
