IDF's Tough Days: A Third of Tanks Out of Service
Israeli armored forces face serious equipment wear: the commander of the 195th Battalion admitted that a third of tanks are inoperative, some lacking engines. On Sunday, conscription began for August 2026, with about 350 of 700 recruits arriving at the Ariel Sharon Park. To compensate for the shortage, recruits will train on simulators. The August draft is the last to include only males; from November, women will join. The Shizafon base has been upgraded.
Amid the prolonged war, Israeli armored forces are facing serious equipment wear. On Sunday, about 350 of 700 armored corps recruits arrived at the Ariel Sharon Park in Masovim, with the rest being drafted the following day. The IDF command deliberately moved the draft from Bakum in Tel HaShomer to the park to avoid risks. The commander of the 195th Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ella, admitted that a third of tanks are inoperative, some lacking engines. To compensate, recruits will train on simulators. The August draft is the last to include only males; already in November, women will join the armored corps. The Shizafon base has been upgraded: air conditioning installed, food improved. The draft took place in a traditional atmosphere: families accompanied their sons. Recruit Itamar Yofer continues a family dynasty, and his mother prays for his protection. Noam Alush consciously chose the corps to defend the country. Three friends—Yarden, Itai, and Noam Mazur—were assigned together and strive to be the strongest. In Maariv reader comments, criticism was voiced about the government's funding priorities.