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 Herzi Halevi.
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 reservist Aviad Frija defends himself in a viral Facebook video after being indicted for killing Yuval Kestelman in a Jerusalem terror attack.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has wasted no time leaving his stamp on the cabinet office, viewed as the most powerful in the government.
Documents reveal Hamas' coordinated effort with Al Jazeera to reshape the narrative of the October 7 attack.
If Israel wants to achieve total victory, it must stop taking demands from terrorists.
Israel will remain in its position in Syria and the West Bank with backing from the Trump administration, amid ongoing pressure from the EU and the UN.
Border Police officers from Jerusalem operated in Ramallah to arrest a wanted terrorist. And the Egoz Unit located a rigged vehicle and dismantled it.
Hamas forced former hostage Danilla Gilboa to stage her own death video, her mother reveals in the heartbreaking interview, detailing the psychological torture her daughter endured in captivity.
Sources have told The Jerusalem Post there were no plans to attack anytime before playing out what Hamas will do on Saturday.
Rebecca Baruch’s organ donation gave 10-year-old Rana a second chance at life, bringing two families together.
Katz reiterates US President Donald Trump's statements, adding that the new phase of the Gaza war would be different in intensity and would not end without defeating Hamas and freeing all hostages.
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