The Carmel, New IWI assault rifle revealed at the Laad 2019 convention in Rio De Janeiro, a from scratch grassroots designed bottom up rifle, is the latest evolutionary upgrade of ACR, Beretta, CZ 805 and etc.

And reading between the lines of the official statement of IWI (beneath), it’s specialized for crack or special ops/ behind enemy lines troops because has improved, longer and better durability because of better and more durable materials, ergonomics, and other upgrades.

Carmel IWI Israeli New Assault Rifle
the Carmel IWI Assault Rifle – includes modular barrel, check-rest, metal is covered with corrosion resistant coating

It’s IWI’s 4th  operational rifle, in addition to the Tar series, X-95 and Galil Ace and According to Ronen Hamudot, IWI VP of marketing’s official blurb – “We have the Micro Tavor (X95) which is one of the best weapons in the world in the Bull-pup configuration. The company constantly adjusts and changes weapons, and in order to meet the demands of modern warfare and to meet the needs of existing and potential customers, we have developed a new weapon in a conventional configuration.” – which probably means any armies using the above rifles or others from the same type, the Carmel is the latest improved upgrade.

IWI Carmel New Israeli Assault Rifle
IWI Carmel Assault Rifle
Carmel Assault Rifle Israeli IWI
IWI Carmel – with folding butt stock for a variety of combat scenario’s like up close or close quarter combat.

 

The Carmel is made of metal and polymer, can accept all NATO mags, is ambidextrous and has picatinny rails for scopes, night vision and other after market accessories and Includes modular barrel which can be replaced in seconds and under fire for, folding and extending stock for any firing position or combat scenario, check-rest for aiming, piston is short stroke piston, rotating bolt, metal parts covered with corrosion resistant coating promising better and longer durability of the metal in the rifle, adjustable gas regulator (depending on the situation).

One thing missed by other reports is an Ergonomically frontal angled holding position like in the Turkish MPT-76 Here

MPT-76 Turkish Rifle
MPT 76 – with an Ergonomically T angled holding position like in the Carmel

Our Analysis: At present the IDF said it has NO plans an equipping its troops with the Carmel assault Rifle – and we think it’s a mistake –  not necessarily regarding this specific assault rifle, but also for all the other Israeli made assault or sniper rifles. By not  acquiring and equipping the Carmel or other IDF with excellent Indigenous Israeli made rifles – as we detailed in our article here (Gilboa, Galil Ace, IWI Dan, Emtan MZ-4 Carbine, AK-47 Alfa), and instead preferring to still use, at least partially and in some units, the M4 there are a few downsides.

First any none Israeli made arms system the IDF uses it makes it more vulnerable (sanctions, embargoes and etc.). Second, the nothing wrong  with admitting it – it helps Israels arms industry which in turns helps and strengthens Israels economy. And finaly, the more foreign weapons Israel uses it weakens its image and portrays Israel a western outpost and colony. I hope the IDF, or the Israeli ministry of defense, which is the real commander of the IDF, will force the it to equip itself with the Carmel or other Israeli made arms even if it causes a little discomfort in getting use to a new rifle and it even if they have to sell the M4 surplus at a reduced price the rifles to a foreign buyer. The benefits, outweigh the cost.

Other specs:

Cart: 5.56

Modes: select

Barrel – 267/305/368/406

Weight: 3.3kg

Mag Rounds: 30

Rounds/min: 850

Gas operated

Folding stock for up close or CQC

Rotating bolt