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.
Tyre areas in waves of attacks across Lebanon • Soldier killed • North pummeled with rockets, including direct hits in Haifa, Nahariya
The relentless strikes on Dahieh have visibly weakened Hezbollah’s standing. Israeli officials believe these actions will force the group into submission.
His family has been notified of his death, the IDF said. He was promoted from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant after his death.
During the raids, the 7th Armored Brigade discovered an underground weapons storage facility containing crates of explosives, ammunition, and grenades.
Around 10 rockets cross from Lebanon toward Haifa Bay area • IDF raids underground Hezbollah weapons cache
The IDF broke down the process of identifying, analyzing, approving, and eventually striking buildings in central Beirut without damaging surrounding civilian structures.
Sasha Ariev, 25, the older sister of hostage Karina Ariev, said volunteers working in the demonstration were themselves observers for the army in the past.
In addition to mapping Qawasmeh’s home, the soldiers confiscated weapons, weapon parts, and ammunition in the village of Deir Samet in the Judea Brigade sector.
Anbar was eliminated alongside other Islamic Jihad terrorists who reportedly fired rockets toward Israel and its military troops.
Syria is likely also to continue to be a hunting ground for Israeli air power working its way down the long list of Hezbollah and Iranian targets in the country.
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