Merkava 4 tanks rendered vulnerable against low-cost Hamas tactics

GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) — In a major blow to Israel’s military presence in northern Gaza, resistance fighters from Hamas destroyed a Merkava 4 main battle tank during a confrontation in Jabalia, killing three Israeli soldiers inside.

The latest loss of the Israeli military’s most advanced armored vehicle underscores the vulnerability of the Merkava fleet in Gaza’s urban warfare environment, despite its reputation as one of the most protected tanks in the world.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the deaths of three crew members operating the tank during what the army described as a “security incident.”

The killed soldiers were identified as Sgt. Shoham Menahem, 21; Sgt. Shlomo Yakir Shrem, 20; and Sgt. Yuliy Faktor, 19.

According to Israeli media, the Merkava 4 was destroyed in a complex operation organized by Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades.

While it remains unclear whether the tank was struck by an anti-tank missile or an improvised explosive device (IED), the incident highlights the increasing sophistication of Palestinian resistance tactics.

Hamas fighters have also released numerous videos in recent months showing Merkava tanks being disabled or destroyed, with some even captured intact.

In a number of documented incidents, resistance fighters were seen placing explosives under tanks, scaling them to remove crew members, or taking control of the vehicles.

While the Israeli army has officially acknowledged the loss of only five Merkava tanks since its latest war on Gaza began, independent military observers suggest the number is much higher, with dozens more tanks severely damaged or rendered inoperable.

Merkava 4: Israel’s most advanced battle tank

The Merkava 4, introduced in 2004, is the latest and most advanced model in Israel’s line of main battle tanks.

Weighing around 65 tons and operated by a crew of four, it is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun, advanced fire-control systems, and multiple secondary armaments, including machine guns and an internally-operated mortar.

Designed by Israeli engineers to prioritize crew protection, the tank features a front-mounted engine, modular armor, and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), which uses radar and explosive countermeasures to intercept incoming projectiles.

The Barak variant, introduced in 2023, added upgraded sensors and faster APS response times to adapt to new battle situations, including drones and urban ambushes.

Despite these advancements, the Merkava 4 has suffered increasing losses since the escalation of the conflict in October 2023.

Military analysts say the Merkava 4’s design and protection systems, while technologically advanced, are not invulnerable—particularly in densely built-up areas like Gaza.

The Trophy APS has shown limitations in intercepting projectiles from steep vertical angles and kinetic energy rounds.

Resistance groups have exploited these weaknesses using low-cost but effective tactics, such as drone-dropped munitions or IEDs placed beneath tanks.

The cost of maintaining and upgrading these tanks is significant—each Trophy system reportedly costs over $1 million, raising questions about sustainability amid repeated damage and battlefield losses.

During Israel’s failed offensive in Lebanon last year, Hezbollah forces reportedly destroyed at least 43 Merkava tanks using guided anti-tank missiles and other precision weapons.

Despite heavy investment in active protection systems and armor upgrades, the ongoing conflict has exposed the limits of Israel’s armored capabilities when faced with evolving asymmetric tactics and urban resistance warfare.