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 Chief Zamir freezes extended service commitments for special forces units

Zamir held a discussion on the matter on Saturday night regarding expanding the implementation of extended service commitments for IDF combat soldiers in special forces units within the ground forces

 IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 9, 2025.
 Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, July 12, 2025.

Iranian president reportedly wounded during 12 day war, Netanyahu speaks to Fox on Gaza, Iran

 HAMAS TERRORISTS keep guard on the day Hamas handed over deceased hostages, in Khan Yunis, Feb. 20, 2025.

Hamas likely to step up efforts to kidnap IDF troops, experts warn - report

 IDF soldiers operating in southern Syria to apprehend terrorists in an Iranian terror cell, June 2, 2025.

Inside the IDF's covert 10 km. mission to capture Iran’s Quds Force in Syria - report


IAF pilot almost emergency landed in Tehran during strikes over fuel malfunction - N12

A contingency plan was prepared in parallel, which included the option of landing in a neighboring country should the malfunction persist.

 A F-15 fighter jet flies during a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots at Hatzerim Airbase, in southern Israel, June 29, 2023.

WATCH: Smoke clouds across Beit Hanun after IAF strikes 35 Hamas targets

Earlier on Saturday, the IAF struck and killed a terrorist in Hezbollah's anti-tank unit in the area of Khiam in southern Lebanon.

 Smoke rises from the Gaza Strip. January 14, 2025.

Haredim cannot say God is theirs if they cut themselves off from Israel - opinion

The anathema we have built into us Jews of a poresh min hatzibbur, “one who disconnects himself or herself from the community,” is what will lead to our disconnecting from the haredi public.

 An illustrative image of haredim.

Writing the pages of history: IDF drone cmdr. recounts tense moments of striking Iranian missiles

Lt.-Col. G. discusses the tense moments of firing on Iranian missiles moments away from launch, and the pressure of knowing what would happen if he failed.

(Illustrative) The Elbit-made Hermes 900 drone.

Post-Iran war trauma: Navigating the emotional storm of the 12-day war

Despite nearly two weeks of terror, Israelis, in true fashion, have returned to routine. But don’t be fooled – many people have been affected emotionally.

 An illustrative photo of smiling and frowning faces.

Women of war: The IDF female combat soldiers guarding the Israeli-Egyptian border

Two female soldiers, K and Y – who serve in this capacity – are among the women making a significant impact on the front lines.

 An illustrative image of a female IDF soldier.

IDF res. brigadier-general removed from position after reports of sexual assault - KAN

The IDF said that the reservist officer eventually terminated his duties a few days ago.

 Female IDF soldiers in the field are seen dealing with extreme weather conditions.

Iranian advisor posts video depicting nuking Israel, Netanyahu speaks to Fox News on Gaza, Iran

Hamas sabotaging hostage deal talks • Netanyahu summons Smotrich, Ben-Gvir to discuss Gaza negotiations • Trump supports Iran strikes if nuke program continues

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a backdrop of Israeli protestersa

Trump not opposed to another Israeli attack on Islamic Republic if nuclear program continues - WSJ

During his conversation with Trump, the US leader said he hoped there would be no more US bombing of Iran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington DC, US, July 8, 2025

Donation infiltration: How Iranian spies infiltrate IDF donation networks to target Israel

Iranian operatives are using Facebook or WhatsApp groups of mothers of IDF soldiers to spy on Israel.

 Many people have joined WhatsApp groups that have members of not-for-profits, mothers seeking supplies for their children’s platoons, vendors who can supply goods, and apparently one or more Iranian spies.

IDF gunfire wounds ICRC, Red Crescent team during rescue mission in Gaza Strip - report

The IDF told the Jerusalem Post that it is aware of reports of an ICRC and Palestinian Red Crescent worker being fired on, and the incident is being investigated.

 A Red Cross vehicle stands near missile remnants surrounded with tape, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, February 17, 2025.