*JERUSALEM: The Israeli army has revealed details of a new tank it wasdeveloping, designed more for use in guerrilla warfare conditions.*

The Merkava 4 Barak, scheduled to be operational in three years, will bethe latest of the Israeli Merkava tank series, which has traditionallyfocused on combatting the conventional forces of neighbouring Arab states.

The military said the new model reflected an understanding that thetheatres of conflict it faces are changing.

“The enemy won’t necessarily be states and armies, but rather an enemy thatuses people,” Brigadier General Guy Hasson, head of the army’s armouredcorps, said.

The “dual-use” tank contains technologies including a sensor system thatgives its commander a full view of the surroundings in his helmet.

The model — which will also be equipped with a computer system based onartificial intelligence — is designed to be more secure in the confines ofguerilla clashes.

The Israeli military has been using tanks along the border with Gaza, astensions have risen during months of protests and clashes that have leftover 140 Palestinians dead.

Israeli tanks have fired on positions belonging to Gaza’s rulers Hamas, aswell as individuals accused of attempting to infiltrate into Israel.