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 military admitted to its problematic retreat from Zikim beach, but did not share the consequences for soldiers.
In order to live where we live, and to continue to do so in relative safety, the army needs more men – as it has told the government repeatedly over the past year.
IDF intercepts drone entering Israel's airspace 'from the east' • IDF kills Hezbollah terrorist attempting to rebuild group's presence in southern Lebanon
Despite the IDF’s claims at the time that Hamas’s tunnel system was severely damaged, internal memos from the terror group suggest otherwise.
According to the IDF's tally, their deaths raise the total of soldiers killed on or since October 7 of last year to 849.
IDF used AI to kill Hamas terrorists, locate hostages • IDF strikes Beit Hanoun • Nir Yitzhak probe finds IDF failed to protect kibbutz
The technology was implemented and developed by Unit 8200 engineers, who used it to track Hamas terrorist Ibrahim Biari.
The IDF responded swiftly, and an IAF aircraft eliminated the threat, neutralizing the terrorist cell. The operation concluded without any IDF casualties
The stories of two Masa alumni who gave their lives in Israel’s defense remind us of the deep bonds between global Jewry and the State of Israel.
The stories of two Masa alumni who gave their lives in Israel’s defense remind us of the deep bonds between global Jewry and the State of Israel.
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