IDF

The IDF, or, Israel Defense Forces, is the national military force of the State of Israel and consists of the Israeli Ground Force, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy.

The IDF is headed by the Chief of Staff, who holds the rank of lieutenant general and is the only active officer who does so. The current chief of staff is Eyal Zamir.

The IDF was formally established in May 1948 after the creation of the Jewish State, and it encompassed the three paramilitary groups that existed prior to the state -  the Hagana, the Irgun, and the Stern Gang (Lehi). 

Since the formation of the IDF, it has participated in six major wars including the War of Independence, the Six Day War, the Sinai War, the Yom Kippur War, and the first and second Lebanon Wars. Other operations include Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Defense, Operation Protective Edge, Operation Guardian of the Walls, and Operation Swords of Iron.

Conscription to the IDF is mandatory for both men and women over the age of 18, with women in non-combat positions serving for two years, and women in combat positions, and men, regardless of position, have a mandatory service of two years and eight months.

In addition to regular military duties and activities, the IDF responds to national emergencies or crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides personnel to carry out work alongside the civilian population.

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  State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman (illustrative)

State audit to probe Shin Bet’s Oct. 7 failures, 'in principle' IDF as well

The audit of the Shin Bet will look into "all matters related to the core issues concerning the October 7 failures."

'Eyes on Gaza, hand on the trigger': Israel prepares to continue fight against Houthis

"The assessment is that the Houthis will resume fire when Israel renews the fighting in Gaza," a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post.

Israeli medical computer system hit by suspected Iranian cyber incident

Soldiers come to the network's clinics to receive treatment and sick leave approval.

What do Eyal Zamir’s first blockbuster moves mean?

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has left his mark already - what other changes are to come?

Netanyahu's blame-game tactics with the Shin Bet explained

The Jerusalem Post Podcast with Zvika Klein, Tamar Uriel-Beeri, and Sarah Ben-Nun.

Your Taxes: What the IDF can learn from Wall Street

How can the IDF prevent a future repeat of the Yom Kippur War or the October 7 massacre? The IDF should get its act together by learning from Wall Street.

By LEON HARRIS
06/03/2025

Jonathan Dekel-Chen: I saw my son emerge from valley of the shadow of death

"You just sit there helplessly. It's agonizing - for them, the agony is for them, that they would be put through this," he said.

06/03/2025
 An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man is seen exiting an IDF recruiting office in Jerusalem, June 25, 2024

Less than 2% of haredim summoned since July have begun IDF service

According to the data, the IDF has sent out 2,231 “Tzav 12” orders, which are a final summons to people who did not adhere to the initial order, before an arrest warrant is issued.

New IDF chief prepares for return to Gaza fighting, vows to defeat Hamas

The comments were made during a meeting with the heads of local councils from the Gaza border communities.

IAF conducts joint exercise with B52 bomber, jets from US Air Force

During the flight, the forces practiced operational coordination between the two militaries to enhance their ability to address various regional threats.

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