The Merkava is an Israeli main battle tank that began development in 1973 and entered service with the Israel Defense Forces in 1978, being used extensively in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War. The tank is able to be rapidly repaired and able to travel offroad, giving it survivability; it is also cost-effective. 2,270 Merkava tanks have been built since 1973, and they have seen action in the Second Intifada, the 2006 Lebanon War, Operation Cast Lead, and Operation Protective Edge.