Defense Ministry

The Israeli Defense Ministry is the government body that manages the security network and oversees security affairs for the state.


The state institutions managed by the Defense Ministry include the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), national museums, archives and memorials, as well as civil, political, and legal divisions that support the military and security network. The Defense Ministry serves as a bridge between the military and civilian infrastructure, including managing budgets, recruitment, and grand strategic decisions. The Defense Ministry also oversees and coordinates national emergencies and responses through the National Emergency Authority (NEMA). 


In 2021, the defense minister was Benny Gantz and the director-general was Amir Eshel, who was appointed to the position in 2020. The ministry has had 21 ministers and 24 director-generals since its establishment until 2021. The ministry's headquarters is in Tel Aviv, in the Kirya. 


The Defense Ministry works closely with Israeli defense industries. The International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) lobbies foreign governments and holds exhibitions to secure contracts for Israeli private and public defense companies. The Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) researches and promotes new innovations in the fields of defense and security.


The Defense Ministry was established just after the dissolution of the British Mandate, in 1948, and collected and organized the Jewish militia groups into a concerted military and defense force.

Months after launch, Israel’s ‘Northern Shield’ initiative completes only 30% of shelters

As of the latest update, 600 safe rooms are under construction out of the 1,900 planned for communities within zero to one kilometer of the Israel-Lebanon border.

The Northern Shield program (Magen Hatzafon) builds bomb shelters in northern borden communities,
 The Iron Dome air defense missile systems is seen during operational trials conducted following the conclusion Operation Shield and Arrow on May 14, 2023

Romania to become first European country to procure Israel's Iron Dome

 Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a state memorial ceremony for Operation Protective Edge at the National Memorial Hall at the entrance to the military cemetery on Mount Herzl, July 6, 2025

Defense Minister Katz pushes bill improving IDF soldiers' conditions

(Illustrative) AN IRANIAN FLAG is pictured near in a missile during a military drill, with the participation of Iran’s air defense units in October.

What can Israel expect in its next war with Iran? - analysis


Israel's battle-tested air defenses 'exceeded expectations' in Iran war, missile defense chief says

MILITARY AFFAIRS: Iron Dome, Arrow, and David's Sling got their 'combat proven' stamp during the war with Iran. Now, the director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization explains what's next.

 A fundamental key to the success of Israel’s air defense lies in the multilayered defense system that many countries around the world are trying to copy. Here, rockets fired by Hezbollah are intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system over the Upper Galilee last August.

Israel to boost defense spending by NIS 42 b. in light of multi-front wars

The Director-General of the ministry, Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram said that this move would allow the ministry to replenish consumed stocks of weapons and ammunition. 

 An Israeli APC manoeuvres next to other military vehicles on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, July 16, 2025.

Katz flying to DC to meet with Hegseth on Iran, weapons

Katz is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss Iran and various other weaponry and strategic security issues.

 DEFENSE MINISTER Israel Katz appears at a committee meeting in the Knesset on Tuesday.

'A miracle it ended with only minor wounds': IDF soldier wounded by accidental fire from Gaza

A bullet fired from the Gaza Strip lightly wounded an IDF soldier near the Sha’ar Hanegev Junction on Sunday.

 Damage to vehicle from stray fire from Gaza

US D-9 bulldozers worth billions of shekels arrive in Israel after Trump admin. releases shipment

Over 100,000 tons of military equipment have arrived in Israel through 870 airlifts and 144 sea shipments since the start of the war.

 US shipment of D9 bulldozers arrive in Israel, July 9, 2025.

Rafael to sell interceptors to Romania in deal worth $2.2 billion

The SPYDER system from Rafael is heading toward a €1.9 billion deal in Romania, after the Israeli company surpassed competitors from Germany and France.

 The SPYDER system

Rafael chairman, ex-minister Yuval Steinitz talks to 'Post' on Iran, Israel's defenses - interview

MILITARY AFFAIRS: Yuval Steinitz attributes much of Israel’s successful defense against Iranian attacks to Rafael’s multi-layered systems, such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

 NOW CHAIRMAN of the board of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and a former gov’t minister, Yuval Steinitz attributes much of Israel’s successful defense against Iranian attacks to Rafael’s multi-layered systems such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

Katz: Those engaged in violence against IDF soldiers must be 'dealt with severely'

The defense minister said that a joint enforcement body headed by police and including the IDF and Shin Bet will be established to coordinate efforts related to these incidents.

 Defense Minister Israel Katz at a session with military officials to discuss the issue of far Right settler violence against the IDF, July 1, 2025.

Gov't clears return of Gaza border residents amid security concerns - report

These communities include Kibbutz Be'eri, Hulit, Kissufim, Kfar Aza, Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz, Nir Am, Nir Yitzhak, Nir Oz, Netiv Ha’asara, Sufa, and Ein Hashlosha.

 A destroyed home in Kibbutz Be'eri, near the Gaza border.

Middle East arms race: IDF readying for another multi-front war with Iran, terror proxies

The IDF and Defense Ministry are focusing on launching technological and military upgrades with an emphasis on operational ranges of 2,000 km.

 F16 jets fly above the Herzliya airport on November 15, 2019.

Israel to invest in 1,000 new public shelters, renovate 500 after Iranian missiles kill dozens

The government’s decision to greenlight new civil defense measures follows days of intensive attacks by Iran on civilian homes and infrastructure. 

Filipino migrant Carol and her three month old baby Caisha spend the night in an old nuclear shelter in the southern area of the city, under Tel Aviv's central bus station recommissioned by Israeli volunteers Brothers and Sisters in Arms, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 20,