Why Israeli Commanders Are Fundraising to Buy Gear

While Israel’s defense industry is booming, many of its units are reportedly lacking in necessary equipment. Since the October 7 attacks caught the IDF unprepared, commanders in the field have been soliciting donations to make up for the shortfalls, despite an official prohibition on doing so. Diaspora Jews have responded by organizing networks to meet their requests. Asaf Elia-Shalev writes that civilians have delivered individual units an estimated billion dollars or more in helmets and drones as well as clothing, night-vision goggles, body armor, rifle scopes, and other items.