The Defense Ministry announced today (Monday) that tests revealed dozens of shipments of ceramic vests and protective plates sent to Israel as a donation were shown to be substandard and life-threatening for soldiers.
According to a statement by the Defense Ministry, since the call center was opened Thursday morning, thousands of concrete requests were received for transferring equipment of different types, and these requests were handled in close cooperation with the Tax Authority and customs. All defensive tools, with an emphasis on vests and ceramic plates, were taken for firing tests by an expert team as a condition for their transfer to the IDF.
The attached photos show how dozens of such plates tested did not pass the firing tests and thus proved themselves to be life-threatening for the soldiers. Vests, helmets, and other accessories were also donated which did not meet basic army standards such as resilience, colors, &c.
The Defense Ministry and the IDF is calling on the citizens and donors to not send personal protective equipment and weapons which have not passed authorized firing tests and standards and adaptation examinations, which could endanger lives. Equipment purchased in coordination with the donations call center will be directed to purchases of equipment which meets the necessary standards.