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.
In one of the raids, the “Tzabar” Infantry Battalion located numerous weapons, including dozens of rifles, grenades, and magazines.
The airstrike eliminating the PIJ operative was one of a broader array of strikes across the Strip.
Some 250 young professionals heard from Rudy Rochman and a married pair of October survivors on their experiences battling Hamas, combatting antisemitism and surviving trauma.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to head to Israel • PIJ terrorist killed in Jenin in West Bank •, US and Iran discuss Mid East stability
Gallant called for increased vigilance in the face of the threat from Hezbollah and for increased intelligence operations in southern Lebanon.
The announcement that the IDF had recovered three bodies spread throughout Israel and the Jewish world like wildfire.
Louk is well known for appearing in a video of Hamas soldiers sitting in the back of a pickup truck over her mangled body, and parading it around Gaza
The Israel Air Force responded with strikes near Sidon, Lebanon.
It is time that Netanyahu recognizes the gravity of this moment in time and does what is right or steps aside, calls for early elections, and allows the Israeli people to decide who will lead them.
As part of this year’s memorial ceremony for North Americans who fell in military service to the State of Israel or as victims of terror, AACI introduced its special commemorative website.
JPOST Digital Library
