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.
Throughout Passover, a new record of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount was broken, as over 4,000 people visited despite the limited number of days of the holiday compared to the previous years.
US halts construction of Gaza aid pier • ICC warns Netanyahu • Israel gives Rafah op. deadline to Hamas
With the war in Gaza continuing to rage, Israel's northern border is at an anxious standstill, with consistent Hezbollah cross-border firing and evacuated residents longing for home.
"This year, the torches will be lit in groups, not individually," Miri Regev stated on Thursday, emphasizing a focus on collective representation of Israeli heroism.
Harsh treatment of female soldiers: abused, humiliated, and pressured to enlist as observers following October 7 events, leading to anxiety, trauma, and severe consequences.
In addition, the Mossad wrote about its contribution to negotiations which led to the return of over 80 hostages in November.
Anat Meir will light the torch at the Yom Hazikaron Ceremony for English speakers organized by the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, The Jerusalem Post, and the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem.
Hamas slams Palestinian Authority for killing a Hamas terrorist • IDF strikes Hezbollah terror targets in southern Lebanon • IDF discharges reservists supposed to partake in Rafah operation
Combat soldiers who are behind the camera taking this footage have undergone special photography training and a course in spokesperson duties.
The app, developed by Shin Bet investigators, was inspired by tactical intelligence gathered from Nokhba terrorists captured before the IDF's ground maneuver in Gaza.
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