Editing Merkava (section)

=== 2023 Israel-Hamas War ===
According to ''Popular Mechanics'', Hamas may have briefly captured 10 Merkava tanks in the [[7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel|October 7 attacks]], but it is unclear how many tanks they damaged or destroyed.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=ROBLIN |first=SÉBASTIEN |date=November 13, 2023 |title=How Many Armored Vehicles Has Israel Lost Fighting Hamas? |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a45783283/how-many-armored-vehicles-has-israel-lost-fighting-hamas-gaza/ |website=Popular Mechanics}}</ref> At least 1 tank was destroyed when Hamas used a civilian DJI and Autel quadcopter drone to drop a shaped-charge grenade.<ref name=":0" /> 

According to Forbes, Hamas used flyers to disseminate advice for defeating the Merkava's Trophy active protection system.  This advice included such things as: firing rocket-propelled grenades from 50 yards or closer; firing several RPG rounds in quick succession; using an [[SPG-9]], and other information.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2023 |title=Hamas Distributed A Handy Guide To Destroying Israeli Tanks|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/15/hamas-distributed-a-handy-guide-to-destroying-israeli-tanks/?sh=3ff6ef9434e1|author=David Axe|work=Forbes |access-date=2023-11-12 |language= en-US}}</ref>

On 16 October 2023, Merkavas were seen equipped with added [[Slat armor|slat armour]]  placed above the turrets. Slat armour has proven effective in defense against a number of munitions dropped by small drones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=The Russians Are Wrapping Their Old T-62 Tanks In Drone Armor, From Tracks To Turret |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/09/the-russians-are-wrapping-their-old-t-62-tanks-in-drone-armor-from-track-to-turret/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Forbes}}</ref> [[Hamas]] has released video footage that suggested unsuccessful strikes against Merkavas using drones.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2023|last=Axe |first=David |title=Cope Cages Come To Israel As IDF Tanks Get Extra Drone Armor |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/16/cope-cages-come-to-israel-as-idf-tanks-get-extra-drone-armor/?sh=41590b7baab8|access-date=2023-11-11 |website= The War Zone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2023|author=Joseph Trevithick |title=Israeli Merkava Tanks Appear With 'Cope Cage' Armor|url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/israeli-merkava-tanks-appear-with-cope-cage-armor|access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Types of Armour | date = March 27, 2015 | publisher = Norfolk Tank Museum |url=http://norfolktankmuseum.co.uk/types-of-armour/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In December 2023, ''Business Insider'' reported that Hamas had "knocked out" about 20 tanks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peck |first=Michael |title=Israel's war with Hamas shows why even 50 years of upgrades can't make tanks invulnerable |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/israels-war-with-hamas-shows-why-tanks-are-not-invulnerable-2023-12 |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 24 May 2024, The Al-Qassam Brigades reported having destroyed an Merkava MK 2 using a “Shawaz” explosive device in the Al-Qasasib neighborhood of Jabalia Camp.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 May 2024 |title=Al-Qassam Brigades operations on the 231st day of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" |url=https://safa.ps/p/370093|author=Gaza-Safa |work=Palestinian Press Agency |access-date=2024-05-24 |language= en-US}}</ref>

In October 2024, [[Ynet]] reported that the IDF planned to outsource repair of its armored vehicles including tanks for the first time due to damage sustained during the Israel-Hamas War.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zomer |first=Navit |date=2024-10-20 |title=IDF to outsource maintenance of tanks, APCs amid increased load |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b15mfiflje |access-date=2024-12-01 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref> The following month, the IDF reported shortages of tanks and tank shells.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zitun |first=Yoav |date=2024-11-30 |title=From deals with third-world countries to dubious middlemen: Inside the IDF's covert arms race |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1tefly71g |access-date=2024-12-01 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref>