The Merkava Mk. 1 is the first tank produced in Israel. Its development began in the late 1960's and spanned close to ten years. It was headed by Major General Israel Tal. Unlike other tanks of its generation, it was designed to have its engine and transmission in its front, to increase crew protection. The first tanks were assigned to the 7th Armored Brigade and later to the 211th and they took part in Operation Peace for Galilee. In 2014, the Mk. 1 ended its service in the IDF. This model is one of the prototypes of the Merkava.