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.
It’s the first time that these countries have banded together to form a united front since the hostages were seized during Hamas’s invasion of Israel on October 7.
The IDF hopes that more civilians will follow this lead as new tent cities are set up for civilians to evacuate Rafah to Khan Yunis, al-Muwasi, and central Gaza.
Guided by intelligence gathered by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the forces could enter Nablus secretly and locate the suspect.
Hamas suggests it's open to disarmament • US to begin pier construction • IDF aircraft strikes targets in Lebanon
Abdullah Abu Shalal was finally killed in a drone strike in January, a tactic which, before the beginning of the war in Gaza, was a relatively rare choice for the West Bank.
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.
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