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.
Photos published by Palestinian media showed a UN vehicle with damage to several windows.
"If we want to defeat Hamas, we have to defeat Hamas in Rafah, just like we did in the rest of the Gaza Strip," he said.
Four soldiers were rushed to the hospital for treatment for wounds caused by missile fire from Lebanon.
What is at stake, Netanyahu said, is Israel’s “existence, liberty, security and prosperity.”
The defense minister asked that the weapon be designed to fight effectively against terrorist organizations according to combat scenarios in ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip.
This year's "We Are One" ceremony reflected the organization's collective mourning and resilience.
IDF pushes forward in Jabalya • Ex-Mossad chief slams Biden • Blinken tells Gallant US doesn't support Rafah op.
This year, we can look within and see the bravery and heroism in the hearts of each and every one of us.
Yair Netanyahu shared a survey on Instagram favoring Ofer Winter as Defense Minister, a controversial figure praised by Avigdor Liberman.
This year, after October 7 and the inconclusive results of the last seven months of fighting, the situation is much more complicated than in previous years.
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