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.
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.
Initially, reports attributed the attack to Israel but then shifted to the US.
The IDF had earlier confirmed that Nimrod was alive, and the brigade commander called to apologize following the incident.
Recent strikes into central Israel hint that Iran has refined its attack strategy, leveraging both direct launches and supplying missiles to Yemen's Houthis.
The poll also found that 61% of Israelis think the IDF should remain stationed near the Syrian border until the situation in Syria stabilizes.
MDA said that ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and medicycle EMTs were dispatched to the scene.
Israel’s future depends on the ability of our leadership in all branches of government to promote broad consensus on fair rules.
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.
The Israel Police is actively adding fuel to the fire.
"IDF personnel that called on the demonstrators to move away identified a threat, and as a result, the protester's leg was injured," the IDF said.
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