Operational since 1978, the Merkava was first used in combat during the 1982 Lebanon War, where Israel deployed 180 units. Although they were a success, the M113 APCs that accompanied them were found to have several defects and were withdrawn. Merkavas were converted into makeshift APCs or armored ambulances ok by taking out the palleted ammunition racks in storage. Ten soldiers or walking wounded could enter and exit through the rear door.
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