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.
The IDF attempted to assassinate Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar on Tuesday in a strike on the European Hospital in Khan Yunis in Gaza.
Mohammad Shabanah was potentially next in line to lead Hamas; New next in line: Gaza Brigade Chief al-Hadad.
Released IDF observers shared a sardonic farewell to Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar after reports of an Israeli strike. “Only those who survived captivity will understand this song,” they wrote.
The boycott is over the government’s delay in advancing a law that will likely exempt a majority of military-age haredi men from IDF service.
"Due to the terrorist Houthi regime's use of seaports for its terrorist activities, we urge all those present at these ports to evacuate," said IDF Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee.
The last sirens that were sounded in the Israeli capital occurred 13 hours prior, also due to a missile launch from Yemen, and the third missile that fired towards Israel in two days.
The lab contained more than 200 explosive devices and approximately 150 kg. of materials used in the manufacturing of explosives.
In an interview with The Media Line, Yair Lapid, Matan Kahana, and Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer address Israel’s escalating draft crisis as tensions mount over haredi exemptions.
Earthquake felt in central Israel • Yinon Magal criticizes Edan Alexander's family • The ‘Post’ hears from inside Iran
IDF officers reportedly said that "immediate steps were needed to ensure that the system to supply aid could be reinstated fast enough to prevent starvation."
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