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 Herzi Halevi.
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.
IDF Spokesperson responds to Hamas' propaganda video showing Israeli-American hostage, promises relentless pursuit until hostages are released, expressing solidarity with families.
Hamas had claimed Israel dug the graves to "hide" evidence. Independent analysis found the graves were dug before the IDF arrived.
Pressure from Israeli politicians appears to have succeeded in pushing the US to step back from issuing sanctions.
This failure not only hurts doctors, but also public health as it worsens Israel's doctors shortage by keeping doctors from advancing in their certifications, said Mirsham.
The Avivim moshav is located less than one kilometer from the border with Lebanon, and has sustained numerous attacks since the beginning of the war.
American leaks on Israel-Iran tensions unsettle region, jeopardize regional stability.
The center included a stamping machine with false stamps of Israeli egg distributors and some 90,000 eggs which had been stored in the locality without proper cooling conditions.
“More must be done though to ensure that assistance is effectively and efficiently moved” not just in southern and central Gaza, but also “in the north,” Satterfield said.
According to reports, the grave contained at least 200 bodies.
Lerner traded his civilian clothes and his position as head of international liaison for the Histadrut for an IDF uniform and returned to the spokesman’s office to get Israel’s message out.
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