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.
For the first religious Zionist in the job, tackling both Palestinian terror wave, extremist Jewish violence could be a nearly impossible task.
According to the IDF's tally, the death of St.-Sgt. Douek raises the total of soldiers killed on or since October 7 of last year to 687.
Recent intelligence revealed new details about the raid in Khan Yunis that retrieved the bodies of five hostages, located in underground tunnels.
With a National Committee of Investigation lacking, the forum will serve as the FADC's tool for oversight and examination of all of the IDF's investigative reports.
Several hits were identified in the area of the school, the military added.
An IDF soldier filmed himself with hostage bodies and posted it on TikTok, prompting severe disciplinary actions and widespread rumors.
The hostages are Maya Goren and Sgt. Kiril Brodski, Staff-Sergeant Tomer Achimas, hostage Oren Goldin, and Warrant Officer (res.) Ravid Aryeh Katz.
Shots were fired from a passing vehicle near Nabi Ilyas at IDF troops who were located in the area.
Katz was killed on October 7, and his body was taken into the Gaza Strip.
Captain Ariel Topaz succumbed to his wounds after being severely injured in a terrorist attack.
JPOST Digital Library
