IDF lost NIS 50 million of equipment to theft in 2012

The IDF, already under significant budgetary pressure, lost NIS 50 million, or more than $14 million, of equipment due to theft in 2012. The military expects to lose even more in 2013, according to the IDF technological and logistics directorate.

Though much of the equipment is stolen with the intent of selling it for profit, there is significant concern over the armaments finding their way into the hands of criminal organizations, Haaretz reported Sunday.

Theft has been an ever-present concern in the IDF, with burglars often sneaking onto bases and making off with expensive equipment.

A major heist last year saw thieves on an air force base in the center of the country make off with F-16 engines over several days, apparently helped by someone working at the site.

In May of last year, two all-terrain vehicles were stolen from the Ketziot army base in the south of the country, and in January, some 1,500 tank shells were snatched from another base in the south.

In July 2013, two advanced Gil missiles were taken from the Golan and transported to a warehouse in Haifa, after which the defendants intended to sell them.

The thieves often enjoy the cooperation of soldiers on the bases.

According to Haaretz, the IDF installed radar at some bases to protect its ammunition bunkers. The army has also launched a campaign to urge Israelis to return military equipment they may have in their homes.

The losses are significant for the military at a time when it is fighting cuts in the defense budget.

In May, the government set the 2014 IDF budget at NIS 51 billion ($14.5 billion). The military took a cut of NIS 3 billion, but argued that the cuts will actually amount to NIS 7.4 billion due to factors beyond the IDF’s control, such as higher electricity costs and taxes, payments for injured soldiers and additional benefits for career soldiers due to the rising retirement age.

In October, the security cabinet approved an infusion of NIS 2.75 billion ($780 million) back into the defense establishment, lower than what the military was pushing for.

The cuts have forced the IDF to cut its workforce and halting operational activity for reservist units for the rest of 2013. The IDF also announced it would close several air squadrons and even naval units.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz indicated the plan will save NIS 7 billion (some $1.9 billion) over the coming five years.