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.

Israel's eyes and ears: The IDF squadron that the entire Middle East fears

The Nachshon Squadron is the eyes and ears of the entire Israel Air Force, as it knows how to master a variety of capabilities for planning and executing any operation that requires air activity.

 IR SUPERIORITY proved the decisive factor in both the Six Day War and Israel’s 12-day war against Iran. During Operation Rising Lion, dozens of IDF fighter jets conducted waves of strikes across Iran, decimating the country’s defense systems – more than 1,500 km. from Israeli territory.
 A missile from Yemen is intercepted by Israeli defense systems on July 10, 2025.

IDF intercepts Houthi missile from Yemen after sirens triggered from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

 Footage released by the IDF says to show Israeli soldiers conducting operations in a location given as Tel Al-Sultan area, Rafah Governorate, Gaza, in this still image taken from an undated handout video, released April 2, 2025.

IDF probes commander who allegedly ignored soldier's attempted suicide

 IDF SOLDIERS walk out of a tunnel underneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, in the Gaza Strip, last month. Israel will continue to strike fiercely against enemy strongholds from Khan Yunis to Isfahan, states the writer.

Israel adopts superpower mindset in Middle East as it upgrades war doctrine - opinion


IDF confirms death of Hamas commander who infiltrated Israel on Oct. 7

Muhammad Uthayn, Commander of Hamas’ Daraj Tuffah Battalion and one of the perpetrators of the October 7 massacre, was confirmed killed by the IDF.

 IDF confirms death of Hamas commander Muhammad Uthayn, July 18, 2025.

Border Police opens investigation into soldiers who appeared at Bar Mitzvah with weapons

The soldiers were filmed masked and wearing sunglasses, and were dancing to music performed by singer Lior Narkis, who was invited as a guest to the event.

 Israeli soldiers dance with weapons drawn at businessman Alon Elgali’s son's Bar Mitzvah

Netanyahu must take the lead on the haredi draft issue - opinion

Instead of showing leadership, Netanyahu spent Monday night pacing the Knesset, pleading with United Torah Judaism’s Moshe Gafni to retract his resignation.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu heads to his office in the Knesset this week. When it comes to the haredim, possibly the most contentious domestic issue, it’s hard to understand why he doesn’t simply do the right thing, says the writer

Israel makes progress on Gaza talks, Hamas may have 'minor' comments, sources tell 'Post'

One mediator described Israel’s new map as “a breakthrough,” though sources believe at least a few more days well be needed to reach a final agreement.

 Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, July 13, 2025.

IDF builds secret northern Gaza outpost that will stop future Hamas invasions

The Jerusalem Post visited a new, secluded IDF outpost dubbed "Israela," built to prevent any future potential invasion from the Gaza Strip.

Jerusalem Post IDF correspondent Yonah Jeremy Bob visits IDF base in the Northern Gaza strip

How the IDF reinforced Israel's northern border amid Syrian Druze tensions

In recent months, the IDF thwarted several attempts to transfer tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Syrian Golan region.

 IDF troops operate in Syria.

Two Israelis arrested by police after returning from Syria with Kalashnikov rifles

This comes after Israeli Druze civilians crossed from Israel into Syria in solidarity with their brethren amid violent clashes with Damascus security forces, particularly in Sweida.

 A Kalashnikov and magazine seized by Israel Police at the Israel-Syrian border, July 17, 2025.

WATCH: IDF kills terrorists, destroys tunnels in Gaza, Lebanon strikes

The IDF killed Hassan Ahmed Sabra, a commander in Hezbollah's naval force, and Iyad Nasr, deputy commander of Hamas's Jabalya Battalion, who was involved in the October 7 massacre.

 Weapons found by IDF troops in the Gaza Strip, July 2025.

Netanyahu confirms ceasefire, Syrian withdrawal from Sweida due to 'forceful action'

"I instructed the IDF to act with force because the Damascus regime sent its army south of the capital and massacred the Druze," Netanyahu said.

 An Israeli soldier holds a megaphone as Israeli-Druze gather, near the ceasefire line amid the conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, July 16, 2025.

Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, Shas's Arbel rescinds resignation

Arye Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, despite Shas leaving government • Interior Minister Moshe Arbel to stay in role to complete 'urgent tasks'

 ARYE DERI is escorted outside his home in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

IDF soldier arrested for contact with Iranian agents, exchanging information for money

IDF soldier suspected of spying for Iran in exchange for financial incentives.

 The silhouette of a person, with Iran's flag in the background (illustrative).