The Merkava Tank

THE MERKAVA TANK
STATE MEDAL 5762/2002
2nd in the “The Tank Made History” Series

Just as the Israeli Air Force controls the skies of the country and protects from above, the Armored Corps ensures ground protection. This new series of medals is dedicated to the Armored Corps and salutes “the soldier in the tank” – the tens of thousands of men and women who have served and fought in the Armored Corps since the establishment of the State of Israel. At the end of the 1960’s, Israel decided to develop and produce an innovative and novel Israeli tank. The project began in the early 1970’s, led by Major-General Israel Tal, and continued through the production of the Merkava Mark IV. The Merkava was first used in combat during the First Lebanon War in 1982 and the basic perception of ensuring the safety of the crew without hindering battle performance proved to be successful. Over the years, the Merkava Mark II, Mark III and Mark IV Tanks have also been developed. The Merkava Mark I, Mark II and Mark III Tanks are on display at the Latron “Armored Corps Memorial Site.”

Obverse: The Merkava Tank in motion towards a target under siege; the word “MERKAVA” is inscribed in Hebrew and English along the bottom section of the medal.

Reverse: A war chariot from the Period of Israel’s Kings with the verse “Thy riding is to victory” and the source “Habakkuk 8” in Hebrew; the Armored Corps emblem appears at the bottom of the medal, with the words “CHARIOTS OF SALVATION” inscribed to the right, followed by the source “HABAKKUK”.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and the type of metal.

Designer: Eliezer Weishoff.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Hecht Ltd., Israel.