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 Herzi Halevi.

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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Trouble in West Bank: Is Jenin undergoing ‘Gazafication'?

The fact that armed men seem to have taken over a health center and the UN didn’t do anything illustrates the ‘Gazafication’ of Jenin.

IAF strike hits terrorist command center embedded in Gaza school compound

The military added that the terrorists had used the area to carry out terror activities against IDF troops and the State of Israel. 

'A new Putin': Turkey's Erdogan eyes power in Syria as Israel watches nervously

If Turkey decides to arm the rebel forces, it is unclear how Israel will respond and whether it will be able to thwart the transfer of American-backed weapons. 

22/12/2024

CENTCOM conducting strikes on Houthi military facilities in Yemen's Sana'a

Initially, reports attributed the attack to Israel but then shifted to the US.

'We are not a bereaved family': IDF invites hostage parents to fallen soldier event

The IDF had earlier confirmed that Nimrod was alive, and the brigade commander called to apologize following the incident.

Why has IAF failed to intercept recent missile attacks at central Israel?

Recent strikes into central Israel hint that Iran has refined its attack strategy, leveraging both direct launches and supplying missiles to Yemen's Houthis.

By UDI ETZION
21/12/2024

Majority of Israelis favor deal to end war if it returns all hostages

The poll also found that 61% of Israelis think the IDF should remain stationed near the Syrian border until the situation in Syria stabilizes.

By MOSHE COHEN
21/12/2024

Houthi 'hypersonic missile' slams into Tel Aviv area, sixteen lightly wounded

MDA said that ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and medicycle EMTs were dispatched to the scene.  

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Tel Aviv District Court during his testimony in his trial

The wrong priorities: The absurdity of today's Israel is on full display

Israel’s future depends on the ability of our leadership in all branches of government to promote broad consensus on fair rules.

Musings as we attempt to move forward

Finding meaning in the small things – be it our actions, our work, and in our connectedness to our family, loved ones, and friends – is huge.

By DR. BATYA L. LUDMAN
20/12/2024
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