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.
'Three heroes, each one a whole world': Israel mourns loss of three fallen IDF soldiers
“Our hearts are with his family during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Shaul and Hindi, his sister, and his two brothers,” the Efrat Regional Council said.
IDF soldier takes own life on base in Golan Heights
Tank explosion kills three IDF soldiers in northern Gaza, one wounded
Hamas uses Gaza's rubble as a tactical advantage against the IDF - analysis
From Denmark to Israel: A journey of faith, war, and miracles - opinion
My deep love for God, Israel, and the Jewish people has shaped my destiny into becoming "Jerusalem Jane." I can never turn back from this calling, as I live out my "appointment in Jerusalem."
Security forces kill terrorist who held Emily Damari hostage in his Gaza home
Quneita was a member of Hamas' Al-Furqan Battalions' military intelligence battalion, and infiltrated Israel on October 7.
WATCH: IDF strikes Syrian tanks that advanced towards sectarian violence, near Israel's border
Since Sunday, 89 people have been killed and at least 100 wounded in armed clashes in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida.
War in Israel: A real-life Marvel movie that isn't over yet - opinion
From the shocking beginning that was the October 7 massacre, to the stunning aerial assault on Iran, the war in Israel developed like a real-life drama.
Tank explosion kills three soldiers in north Gaza, IDF soldier takes own life on northern base
Degel Hatorah announces exit from gov't • EU sees some good signs on Gaza aid but more needed • Israel submits third map for ceasefire negotiations
IDF failed to protect Ofakim on Oct. 7, leading to death of 33 Israelis, incl. 25 civilians - probe
Security forces in Ofakim, including police officers, armed civilians, and IDF soldiers were motivated to repel Hamas's Nukhba force terrorists, leading to the killing of all 15, the probe noted.
Former hostage Agam Berger performs at Air Force pilot's graduation ceremony
Berger performed the song "They Will Always Wait for You" alongside the IDF's military band.
IDF 'Alpine' Unit raids Syrian Assad-era command posts to prevent weapons smuggling
Reservists of the IDF's 810th Brigade have uncovered command posts, over three tons of ammunition leftover from Assad's regime on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.
Arye Deri denies telling Shas MKs to prepare to leave gov't coalition in coming days
Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported the claim earlier on Sunday evening, but it was later denied by a spokesperson from Deri's office.
IDF announces deaths of senior Hamas, PIJ terrorists in Gaza over past two weeks
Eight of the terrorists were from Hamas's Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades and one was from Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Israel is losing the narrative worldwide in West Bank and Gaza - comment
Fact-checking becomes impossible in war zones, and unverified casualty figures are often published uncritically. Headlines blame Israel for bombings before investigations can conclude.
