The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are phasing out their American-made M-16 assault rifles, opting instead for the Israeli-designed Tavor rifles as a standard for all infantry units. This significant transition aims to unify weaponry among reservists, many of whom have never been trained on the M-16 due to its increasing use in reserved military service since its introduction in the 2000s.
This move marks a shift from the IDF’s reliance on the M-16, initially adopted to replace the Galil rifles, which were previously favored based on the AK-47 design. The Tavor, developed by Israel Military Industries in the 1990s, is tailored to the unique operational needs of the IDF, and its integration signals a strategic adjustment in their infantry capabilities.
Read full story at www.timesofisrael.com
