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.
Israel's security elite want end of Gaza war in two-three weeks, sources tell 'Post' - analysis
While Israel may also get some improved terms in negotiations with Hamas, the most important elements here are: IDF Chief Eyal Zamir, Trump, and the 12-day Iran war.
IDF says it arrested 400 terrorists from six West Bank cells during Iran war
Iran lost the war because God is with Israel - opinion
IDF creates new West Bank task force to tackle Jewish extremists
IDF strikes Gaza terror cell after it fired rockets at Israel, strikes 150 targets in Strip
The IDF said the strikes hit terrorists, underground routes, military structures, weapons, and sniper posts.
Security cabinet convenes to discuss reports of Hamas's positive response to hostage deal
Chaim Rotter named as sexual assault suspect • Senior Hamas leaders in Doha told to lay down weapons • Danish police investigate shipment received by Israeli embassy
Netanyahu visits grave of brother Yoni, killed during 1976's Operation Entebbe
This is the 49th anniversary of Yoni's death, after he was killed in action during Operation Entebbe in 1976, a hostage rescue mission at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.
Nesher leads the future: AI as an educational and national tool - opinion
The benefits of this new approach to education extend far beyond the classroom. We’re talking about a deep shift in how learning is conceived.
IDF soldier Sgt. Yaniv Michalovitch killed, eight wounded in fighting across northern Gaza
Sgt. Michalovich was killed, and eight were wounded in a series of incidents in the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City that began at around 9:00 a.m., according to Army Radio.
IDF reduces closed military zone surrounding Gaza Strip
This is the first time that no community in the Gaza border area is under a closed military zone order.
IDF confirms aircraft killed two Hamas terrorists responsible for death of seven soldiers
All seven were soldiers in the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion of the 188th Brigade.
Court gives prosecution one week to explain lack of draft-dodger sanctions
The larger issue is surrounding the tensions on the lack of a law that would exempt eligible ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men from getting drafted.
IDF soldiers arrest members of Iranian terror cell operating in southern Syria
The military said they received intelligence from interrogations in recent weeks, leading soldiers to carry out nighttime operations and arrest several terrorists.
Israel’s strategic and diplomatic posture: A time of opportunity and risk - opinion
The lack of a coherent strategic vision is steadily eroding Israel's gains, which can only be preserved through diplomacy.
Israel agreed to conditions for 60-day Gaza ceasefire, Donald Trump says
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer informed US envoy Steve Witkoff that Israel has accepted the proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal and is ready to begin close talks with Hamas.
