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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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

Israel Police's violence knows no bounds

The Israel Police is actively adding fuel to the fire.

IDF operates in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria on December 13, 2024.

Syrian allegedly injured by IDF gunfire while protesting Israeli incursion in buffer zone

"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.

IDF dismantles underground 7.5 km terror tunnel in Gaza, finds equipment seized by Hamas on Oct. 7

Israeli forces also found maps of Israeli communities that bordered the Palestinian enclave.

My Word: Wide awake in a war

Is IDF service suitable for every single young haredi man? No. But there can no longer be an excuse for mass exemptions.

Blinken: Hamas realizes 'cavalry not coming,' should agree to a ceasefire and 'do it now'

If Hamas truly cares about the Palestinian people, they will "they will say yes and do it now," Blinken said.

DM Katz not present at IDF military HQ during Yemen strike

Katz arrived at the premises at 9:30 p.m., approved the operation, and left, according to the reports. 

Israelische Angriff an Iran: Über 100 Flugzeuge und eine 2.000 km lange Reise in den Iran

Die IDF bestätigten, dass sich die Operation ausschließlich auf militärische Ziele konzentrierte und Atom- und Ölanlagen mied, um eine Eskalation des Konflikts zu verhindern. 

19/12/2024
  IDF soldiers operate on Mount Hermon, on the border between Israel and Syria, December 12, 2024

Israel's rhetoric on Syrian Hermon damages cooperation, Arab diplomat warns

Israel’s presence on the mountain followed its recent takeover of the Syrian side to expand the demilitarized buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border.

By AMICHAI STEIN
19/12/2024

IDF publishes new footage detailing strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

The military noted that jets flew 2,000 kilometers and used over 60 bombs to strike Houthi targets.

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