Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed the winners of the 2026 Israel Defense Prize, honoring several technological and operational projects that played a determining role in the war waged on several fronts, notably against Iran.
Among the awarded projects is a weapons system developed in Israel, the details of which remain classified. According to the Ministry of Defense, this device played a “central role” in operations against Iran and obtained “exceptional results” having had a major strategic impact. The distinction is awarded jointly to the Israeli Air Force, the Ministry of Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Other programs also feature on the list, including a Mossad operational system, the deployment of the Ofek-13 and Ofek-19 intelligence satellites, as well as technological developments carried out by military intelligence units 81 and 8200.
Electronic warfare systems that helped preserve Israeli air superiority are also among the winners. According to the ministry, these capabilities helped prevent the interception of Israeli piloted aircraft during operations in recent months.
An official ceremony will be held soon at the presidential residence in the presence of President Isaac Herzog, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Israel Katz.
“The past year has demonstrated to the whole world the immense power of the State of Israel, its defense apparatus and its military industries,” declared the minister. According to him, the capabilities developed by Israel have made it possible to achieve unprecedented operational, technological and intelligence superiority against its enemies in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and other theaters of operations.
