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.
In his speech, Chetboun stressed that Israel is no longer just a military power, but a "regional superpower."
In the past 24 hours, the Air Force attacked more than 115 targets in the Gaza Strip, including launchers, military buildings, tunnels, terrorist squads, and other infrastructure.
A delegation of diplomats reportedly deviated from the IDF's approved route in the West Bank city.
Current sanctions against draft dodgers are “threadbare” and are not applying enough pressure on haredi men to respect draft orders.
Staff-Sergeant Danilo Mocanu served in the IDF's 82nd Battalion, part of the 7th Brigade.
Yarden Bibas speaks of meeting Sinwar while in captivity • US intel suggests Israel preparing strike on Iran's nuclear facilities
Netanyahu's office: Israel did not commit to a ceasefire or the release of any Palestinian prisoners, only to 'a safe corridor that will allow for Edan’s release.'
Recently, many lawsuits have been filed against the PA and also against the terrorist organization Hamas, including related to the events of October 7.
Israeli officials said that there were no indications that Hamas would shift its position in ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations.
The IDF's ongoing invasion of Gaza could be slowed by the 100 aid trucks that entered Gaza.
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