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Like any other tank, the Merkava is vulnerable to remotely operated landmines. During the Al-Aqsa Intifada, three Merkava tanks were destroyed by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, on February 14, 2002, March 14, 2002 and February 16, 2003. A total of 7 Israeli soldiers, who were inside the tanks, were killed in these incidents. A number of Merkavas were also damaged, such as on March 19, 2004, in which a tank overturned after being hit by a landmine, injuring 2 soldiers.

During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict a number of Merkava tanks were damaged or destroyed and crew injured or killed, primarily by the Russian-made Metis-M anti-tank missile.[2] "They (Hezbollah guerrillas) have some of the most advanced anti-tank missiles in the world," said Yossi Kuperwasser, a senior military intelligence officer. In addition to missiles, improvised explosive devices proved to be a deadly threat.

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Missiles neutralizing Israeli tanks By BENJAMIN HARVEY, Associated Press Writer
Sat Aug 5, 1:35 AM ET



Hezbollah's sophisticated anti-tank missiles are perhaps the guerrilla group's deadliest weapon in Lebanon fighting, with their ability to pierce Israel's most advanced tanks.

Experts say this is further evidence that Israel is facing a well-equipped army in this war, not a ragtag militia.

Hezbollah has fired Russian-made Metis-M anti-tank missiles and owns European-made Milan missiles, the army confirmed on Friday.

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