The IDF will equip its troops with the new Tavor assault rifle, manufactured
by Israel Military Industries.

Globes' correspondent 23 July 2002

Hebrew daily "Yediot Ahronot" reports that the IDF will equip its troops
with the new Tavor assault rifle, manufactured by Israel Military Industries
(IMI), the IDF Army Headquarters decided yesterday. The decision will
shortly be sent to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon for approval.

Most IDF troops currently use the obsolescent US M-16 or Israeli Galil
rifle. The IDF decided a new, more advanced rifle was needed. The two
alternatives were the Tavor and the M-4, an updated version of the short
M-16. The advantage of the M-4 is it could be bought with US military aid.

Both rifles underwent extended testing in the past year. The Tavor was given
to soldiers in the Givati infantry brigade, and the M-4 to the Nahal
infantry brigade. Both rifles saw operational use in the fighting in the
territories.

Yesterday, GOC Army Headquarters Maj.-Gen. Yiftah Ron Tal convened a meeting
that decided that the Tavor will be the IDF's next rifle. The IDF will
shortly open negotiations with IMI to finalize delivery details.

The Tavor is equipped with an Israeli-built integral reflex optical
reflective sight. The rifle's rearward center of gravity provides easy
aiming, including in the standing position. The rifle passed many firing
tests, proving effective in difficult field conditions. Givati infantrymen,
who have used the Tavor for months, have heaped praise on the new rifle,
saying it was very comfortable, accurate and always reliable on the
battlefield.