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.
Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein for haredi parties staying in coalition
Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility” and refrain from toppling the government over their insistence to exempt at least half of eligible haredim from IDF draft.
IDF soldier hospitalized after apparently suffering self-inflicted gunshot wound
IDF shuffles several General Staff positions
WATCH: IDF destroys terror infrastructure in Gaza's Beit Hanun, Khan Yunis
IDF seeks to stop dozens of Israeli civilians infiltrating Syria
Edelstein to haredim: Now is not time to topple government
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Yuli Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility.”
IDF investigation reveals three soldiers killed by exploding turret, not missile
The initial assessment by the IDF was that an anti-tank missile caused the explosion.
Rabbis and Netanyahu’s draft‑exemption monster rips at Israel’s coalition - comment
After years of delay tactics and political bartering, the ultra‑Orthodox draft crisis has burst its cage, threatening to topple the government amid war.
IDF to launch mandatory Islamic studies and Arabic training for all intelligence soldiers
Following intelligence failures around October 7, 2023, the IDF is mandating that all intelligence personnel undergo training in both Arabic and Islamic cultural studies.
Clashes in Sweida: Why are Druze, Bedouin, Israeli forces fighting in this Syrian city? - explainer
Here is everything you need to know about Sweida in Syria, who is fighting, and why Israel is now involved.
IDF strikes Hezbollah Radwan training camps deep in Lebanese territory
An attack on mere Hezbollah infantry training camps, which lack threatening weapons, shows how up against the wall Hezbollah is.
Syria announces ceasefire in Sweida after agreement with local leaders, IDF strikes regime targets
Syrian troops entered the predominantly Druze city on Tuesday following two days of clashes, the first time government forces have deployed to Sweida since the new government took power.
IDF postpones evacuation of Tzur Harel outpost after operation plans leaked - report
Dozens of Palestinian vehicles were set on fire in the village of Burqa, near the Tzur Harel outpost, on Monday night.
October 7 probe: 35 Hamas terrorists overran Mop Darom base, led to collapse of camp's defense
The investigation concluded that the tenacity and courage of the soldiers and commanders from the Golani Brigade, and reinforcements who arrived to assist, were noteworthy.
US, allies agree August deadline for Iran nuclear deal, Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein
US asks Israel to stop strikes on Syrian military forces in south Syria • Shas could resign from gov't as soon as Thursday following UTJ's exit
