Israel has cancelled the sale of the Merkava Mk.3 and is returning the tanks to service

This summer we wrote that Israel is negotiating with two European countries on the sale of decommissioned Merkava Mk.3 tanks. It seems that the sale of combat vehicles will not take place.

Here's What We Know

This was reported by the Israeli edition of Newsru, referring to the TV channel N12. According to the report, Israel has decided not to sell the tanks. Instead, they will be re-conserved and returned to service. They plan to arm a new tank reserve battalion, which will be called "Of Hol" (Phoenix). It will be composed of volunteers. By the way, the Merkava Mk.3 is the most mass-produced tank of the Israel Defence Forces.

Flashback

Merkava is an Israeli main battle tank. It was started to be produced in the 70s. Since then, the Merkava has received four modifications: Mk1, Mk2, Mk3 and Mk4. The last one was put into service in 2004. The tank took part in the First and Second Lebanon War. In addition, the Israel Defence Forces now use them in battles against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Newsru