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.
The future threats and the cost of the arms race with Jerusalem’s adversaries require adopting a new and forward-looking strategy.
The Iranian president's rhetoric has revisited not only historical controversies but also heightened current geopolitical tensions.
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Both the soldiers fell in combat while fighting in southern Gaza. According to Israeli media reports, the two were killed while scanning a tunnel shaft that contained a hidden explosive within it.
US calls on Hamas to free hostages • IDF recovers hostage body • Drone lands in northern Israel
Whether Benny Gantz is bluffing or not, one thing is certain: Come June 8, Israel's way forward on the southern and northern fronts of the war will be much clearer.
"The Families Forum bows its head and mourns upon receiving the difficult news of the murder of Ron Benjamin by Hamas terrorists and the taking of his body to Gaza as a hostage.
Hundreds of pieces of terror infrastructure have been destroyed, including weapons production sites and rocket launching sites.
'There is no better place in the world for Jews to live,” says Berolsky. “I am so glad to be here, and very proud to be an Israeli.'
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