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 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.
Rubio condemns sanction on Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, UK-based Hamas terrorist linked with Madleen vessel
The covenant of sacrifice: A mother’s call for action in protecting Israel’s soldiers - opinion
Houthi missile fired from Yemen most likely intercepted, IDF says
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.
Sandwich of champions: Memes of Greta Thunberg receiving challah sandwich brings Israeli nostalgia
"They weren't always pastrami, but I don't remember them tasting very good," a former soldier said of the sandwiches.
IDF kills two terrorists in the West Bank, soldiers lightly wounded during counterterror op.
Additional operations in the Menashe area led to the arrest of four wanted individuals, as well as over 10,000 NIS in terror funds being confiscated.
IDF kills two Hamas terrorists disguised as women
The operation, led by soldiers in the Givati Brigade, saw terrorist disguised as women killed by Israeli aircraft.
Robots instead of soldiers on the battlefield: Sounds futuristic, but i's the reality
Autonomous weapons raise moral, legal, and ethical concerns, but in Israel, debate over limits is nearly absent. These systems act without human contact - and without hesitation.
Shas still trying to reach coalition agreement, rabbis' council head says
This comes after Rabbi Maya signed a letter on Monday opposing the conscription of any haredi individual, even those not studying in a yeshiva.
Hamas's lies have been debunked, why does the world blindly parrot Gaza aid killings? - comment
Hamas knows what the international press and the UN want to hear. It feeds them the right numbers, images, and soundbites.
IDF fired warning shots at suspects before Gaza aid site opens, Hamas claims civilian deaths
The suspects were approaching an aid distribution site hours before the site was set to open, the military said.
Israeli gov't rolls out new program for 3,000 haredi conscripts
Despite the initiative, many critics believe negative incentives are still needed to get haredim to serve.
Not a traitor: Israel's Right must stop the character assassination of Yair Golan - opinion
Golan is a worthy and inspiring leader for the Zionist Left in these stormy days. He is honest, coherent, assertive, and non-apologetic.
Israel Navy attacks Houthis for first time in Hodeidah Port strike
All previous Israeli strikes on the Houthis, around 10, were conducted by the IAF.
