Ground force will be reinforced considerably. Photo: Abir Sultan, IDF Spokesperson

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The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi gave a summation of the IDF military plan for the coming years to the General Staff forum. The plan is known as ‘Tefen’. “The plan will enforce the IDF and improve its ability to cope with defense challenges in coming years,” said the Chief of Staff. “The plan encourages renewal, building and enhancing a competitive edge, but simultaneously demands an efficiency improvement plan for all branches of the IDF.” The plan analyzed all of the potential threats and possible scenarios which may arise in the region, in order to prepare and implement a solution to any possible future challenges.

As part of the changes which will be implemented in the IDF work plans, by order of the Chief of Staff, the exercises for the ground forces, both in general service and in the reserves will be sped up – alongside large munitions acquisitions. “The improvement of our readiness, focusing on improving exercises and the rules of engagement,” said the deputy to the Chief of Staff Major General Moshe Kaplinski, in a press conference which took place yesterday. The Ground forces will be reinforced considerably, noted Major General Kaplinski, in order to achieve the ability to decide battles quickly. This is to be done while improving the maneuverability of the ground forces and their firepower. As part of this, the Merkava Mk. 4 tank will continue to be manufactured, as tanks which are currently operating will have numerous upgrades, including ‘active’ defenses. In addition, The Chief of Staff approved the production of hundreds of the ‘Namer’ model of APC, which is based on the platform of the Merkava tanks.

The IAF and Navy will also receive new equipment. Among the new weapons systems will be the Joint Strike Fighter - or F-35 – and additional UAVs. The Navy is to receive multi-purpose amphibious vehicles. Furthermore, the plan dictates that in order to improve defenses against rocket and missile fire, the military will equip itself with early-warning and missile destruction systems. “The plan allows the addressing of a number of the aspects of defense. They include the reinforcement of the Aerospace Branch to ensure the security of the extended arm of the State of Israel, and to ensure air superiority, and also the improvement of our engineering capabilities and our control of the seas. We will improve our home-front defenses with advanced technology which will target the threat of rockets, including short-range rockets, such as the Qassam rockets,” said Major General Kaplinski.

The Chief of Staff also stated that the IDF will invest more in Intelligence and teleprocessing, so that the military’s might will be improved, as well as its operational affectivity. The plan also deals with the predicted decrease in the number of enlistees, and the need to conserve the quality of human resources serving in the IDF. In relation to that, the Chief of Staff dictated that the issue of human resources be listed as of the utmost priority, including the reservists, and the possible benefits to those serving in that capacity. “The source of the greatness of the IDF is our people,” said the Deputy to the Chief of Staff. “The plan answers the need for improving the quality and attending to the needs of those serving in general service, in professional military careers, and most importantly – our reservists, to whom we owe so much. The plan designates a specific roadmap for systematic training for reservist troops through criteria which were set ahead of time, and which we will follow throughout the years in which this plan is valid.”

The plan is to “build the IDF as a strong military, with the power and readiness improved. It will be better trained, better prepared, with improved Intelligence and firepower capabilities, which will enable us to perform better in battle engaging any threat,” concluded Major General Kaplinski.

The ‘Tefen’ plan will be presented as needed to the governmental bodies, and will be relevant as of January 2008.