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.
Sakafi was appointed to head Hezbollah's communications network in 2000 and was closely connected to senior Hezbollah officials.
The defense establishment is on high alert with the upcoming Tishrei holidays.
Israeli paratroopers killed 15 Hezbollah terrorists, uncovered weapons, and located underground sites.
Halevi said that IDF troops were more prepared than ever, armed with the knowledge and experience they gained fighting in Gaza.
The IDF stated that these soldiers destroyed weapons and terrorist infrastructure and eliminated terrorists both in combat and with assistance from the Israel Air Force.
The IDF reportedly struck areas in southern Lebanon, including the Beirut area, as the IDF Arabic Spokesperson issued new evacuation orders.
The strike targeted Hamas commander Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, who led the Hamas network in Tulkarm.
Civilians in Lebanon are severely impacted by Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, with massive displacement and infrastructure damage.
Captain Falach, 21, from Nitzani Oz served in the 202nd in the Parachute Brigade. Falach fell fighting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
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