What are the differences in reference to Merkava MkIII?

1. Merkava 3 (Base model)

2. Merkava 3 Baz (Different from Merkava III or just a name?)

3. Merkava 3D early (Also were there A,B,C, versions?)

4. Merkava 3D late

5. Merkava 3D LIC (Same as #4?)

1. Merkava 3 "early" - Merkava 3 with equipped with fire control system of the Mk.2. Appeared in 1990.

Sub-variants:

- Mk.3A (alef): initial version
- Mk.3B (bet): improved modular-armor on turret/hull, but retains more or less the original shape. First appeared in 1994.
- Mk.3C (gimel): round loaders hatch instead of the semi-circular one used on the Mk.2 and earlier Mk.3 variants. Might be some other (minor) differences too.

2. Merkava 3 "Baz" - Mk.3 (probably 3C but might be earlier variants too) equipped with "Barak Zoher" fire control system. Appeared in 1995.

3. Merkava 3D "early" - Mk.3 (I'm not sure which sub-variant) with additional modular armor and strengthened tracks. Originally it was developed for the use along the norther border/Lebanon due to the increased ATM threat from Hezbollah (just like the Mk.2D). The most notable change is the completely different turret shape. The upgrade included a new Commanders Independent Sight. Appeared in 2000.

4. Merkava 3D "late" - I think the correct name is actually Merkava 3D LIC "late", i.e. the same as this:

5. Merkava 3D "LIC" (Low Intensity Conflict) - Mk.3D "Baz" optimized for urban warfare, equipped with grills on exhaust/vents/sights against hand grenades/IED's, 0.5 R-OWS, corner stick-indicators, sniper position by the rear entrance and rear-view camera for the driver.

Something I've wondered: Is the belly armor particular to the LIC, or is it fitted to non- LIC variants as well?

In case of the Mk.2D, that was part of the "Dor Dalet" (fourth generation) armor upgrade, so unlike the LIC variants, it's not a new thing. I bet some non LIC Mk.3D's variants have them too.

That looks like an non-LIC Mk.3D with belly armor...

Just discovered some new Merkava Mk. 3 Derivatives, that I never knew they exist.

I was curious, as I'm in the process of finishing the HobbyBoss 3D, and it has no belly armor. I guess it's "correct" in that respect.

Yes it is correct. You can also see LIC 3Ds without the belly armour.

And you can see mix and max vehicles, with some of the LIC parts but not all of them.