ABSTRACT
Israel's complex of defense industries functions as both developer and producer of military ordnance for the defense establishment. In former times the indigenous industries enjoyed the status of a primary supplier to the IDF. Directors of the military industries maintain close personal ties with high-ranking Ministry of Defense and IDF officials. Many of the former are themselves retired IDF officers employed in substantial numbers by firms that develop weapons systems for the IDF. Major General Yeshayahu Gavish, who retired from the IDF after serving as commander of the Southern Regional Command, was chosen to head Koor Industries, which controls considerable defense work. Personal relationships and the flow of officers to industry is an asset in situations demanding original solutions to unique IDF requirements. The Rami Dotan scandal reflected the constraints upon the defense minister's actual control over defense planning; he lacks the means effectively to supervise the formulation of IDF procurement and broader development plans.
