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.

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Bereaved families leave IDF's Nova massacre probe meeting in anger

The Hostage Families Forum stated that the investigation was “superficial,” with facts that were “inaccurate at best, lies at worst.”

02/04/2025

Young woman imprisoned in military jail under harsh conditions to be released on Passover Eve

"We took into account her severe mental state, which led to her being assigned a medical profile 21 [disqualifying her from military service]," the court ruling said.

IDF is closing in on controlling 30% of Gaza, defense sources tell 'Post'

Katz to 'Post': No military occupation, but getting closer to large operation if no hostage deal.

  IDF soldiers seen operating in southern Syria, in pictures dated to March 2025

IDF strikes Syria as Israeli demonstrations reach tipping point

Former hostage Eliya Cohen reveals brutal captivity conditions and vows to fight for those still held in Gaza • IAF has been conducting extensive strikes through the night in southern Gaza.

Israel's humanitarian efforts: Genocide perpetrators don’t aid other nations

Can anyone argue that the same country, which wastes no time sending emergency relief assistance to save the lives of people globally, is guilty of systematic murder?

By COOKIE SCHWAEBER-ISSAN
01/04/2025
 View of cars and a house of Palestinians that was burned during the night by unknown attackers, in

Crowd of masked men set Duma houses alight, injure several Palestinians

IDF, Israel Police, and Border Police personnel arrived at the scene, causing the masked men to flee.

  Explosive-making material seized by the IDF and Shin Bet, March 2025.

IDF, Shin Bet raid bomb-making lab in Tulkarm, West Bank

The IDF and Shin Bet also arrested 12 wanted individuals in Tammun and Kabatiya over the past 24 hours, and 15 wanted individuals across the West Bank as a whole.

Comptroller warned Netanyahu, Gallant of border negligence ahead of Oct. 7

The report comes along with Englman’s new report on Tuesday, which slammed border security on the northern border during the mid-2023 period.

Israeli public trust in IDF significantly increased under Eyal Zamir - INSS

Zamir himself has a 15% increase in trust compared to February, before he took office.

 IDF soldiers are seen operating in the Binyamin region of the West Bank, March 27, 2025

What happened on day 542 of the war?

Family marks Bar Kuperstein’s 23rd birthday in Hamas captivity at Hostages Square • IDF, Shin Bet conduct strikes targeting Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut

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