IDF
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.
IDF kills three terrorists responsible for anti-tank missile attack
According to the IDF, two soldiers were moderately injured from the missile fired by the terrorist cell.
IDF arrests Hamas terrorists in Syria who stockpiled weapons, planned terror attacks
IDF probe: IDF failed to defend Moshav Pri Gan, Israel Police, civilians left to protect themselves
The Knesset attack on reform Judaism weakens us all - opinion
Iran conducting exercises for Israeli strike, haredi minister resigns from gov't
Hamas kills five GHF workers • US, Iran to hold sixth round of nuclear talks • Min. Goldknopf resigns from gov't over IDF draft law
IDF recovers second body of slain Gaza hostage in Wednesday operation
The second hostage's name has not been made public yet due to the family's request, but they have been informed of the body's recovery.
'I knew this day would come': IDF recovers body of hostage Yair Yaakov, son announces
Kibbutz Nir Oz announced in February 2024 that Yaakov was murdered in Hamas captivity.
Shots allegedly fired at Gazans collecting aid in Netzarim Corridor, aid foundation denies incident
The IDF said that "As of this stage, there is no known shooting by Israeli forces during the day in a manner consistent with the video distributed on social media."
Major change ahead: What the future of the IDF will look like in the shadow of the Gaza war
Although this concept was previously announced, the IDF has now given a timeline and details.
Over 50,000 IDF draft orders to ultra-Orthodox Jews scheduled for July
The announcement means that the IDF will be summoning the entire "pool" of eligible haredi men, in addition to the 24,000 haredim who already received initial draft orders since July 2024.
IDF probe: IDF failed to defend Yechini area, Israel Police, civilians left to protect themselves
An IDF probe found that the IDF failed to protect the Yechini area, and civilians courageously and professionally risked their lives; 13 civilians and four members of security forces.
Knesset dispersal vote may be postponed, At least five killed in Hamas attack on GHF bus
Two hostages' bodies recovered from Gaza • Gov't to vote on Knesset dispersal • US, Iran not likely to hold sixth round of nuclear talks
A mother's covenant with the State: A call for action in protecting Israel’s soldiers - opinion
My son will soon be sent into Gaza. I know I have no control over what awaits him there.
Houthi missile fired from Yemen most likely intercepted, IDF says
This follows the earlier strikes by Israel on the Hodeidah port in Yemen, which was used for terror purposes to advance attacks on Israel.
Ex-IDF intel chief amends Egypt plan to end war, 'Day After' plan
The survival of a controlling Hamas authority is essential for hostage release. However, once the hostages are freed, Hamas would lose its insurance policy for survival," said Hayman.
