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.
GHF had said earlier that its sites would not open at their usual time due to maintenance and repair work.
The IDF is prepared for the arrival of the protest flotilla called the "Freedom Flotilla". It will take control of the vessel and deport protestors if necessary.
"We were told they managed to smuggle drones during the ceasefire, when 600 trucks a day were coming in," a reservist in Gaza said.
Zionism is not a secular ideology to be shunned; it is the modern manifestation of a 2,000-year-old hope. What could be more Torah-true than helping defend Jewish life in the land of our ancestors?
A senior Israeli defense source confirmed the matter to the 'Post,' adding that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make more decisions on Thursday.
"Everyone must serve: Secular, religious, and haredim," Gallant said in response.
The probe, which began quietly in early 2024, has not been publicly promoted.
Because of the government's lack of progress on the haredi draft bill, some coalition parties are expected to leave the government.
Tensions flare as rockets from Syria prompt Israeli airstrikes, despite Syria’s new government seeking stability and rejecting hostile acts.
The Washington Post admitted it didn't give proper weight to Israel's denial of involvement in the shooting, which the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has also denied.
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