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.
In both cases, however, valid criticism was largely drowned out not due to the lack of substance of the critique but rather because of the individual who expressed it.
Captain Daniel Perez's funeral was held in Jerusalem, although his body is still held by Hamas. A coffin with blood belonging to Perez gathered at his tank’s last battle site was lowered to the grave
Halevi, who is expected to resign sometime after he and the military issue a June interim report on the October 7 failures, is committed to letting his replacement reshape the major generals' level.
According to Sa'ar, the decision-making process made in the small war cabinet is problematic, and the MK has demanded to become a member of the smaller cabinet.
Israel is facing the most daunting and critical period in decades as IDF lawyers are trying to balance both global and domestic pressures.
Mabhough has been in charge of all of Hamas's internal security forces both during the war and during peacetime.
Ilana Dayan exposed an interesting new detail in the plan about how Hamas intended to take advantage of Gazan journalists.
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.
Uncovering the IDF reserve unit that stayed behind to protect northern towns and is preparing for any possible scenario, including October 7-style infiltrations and combat with Hezbollah terrorists.
Haredi community faces conscription dilemma: Stay or leave? Chief Rabbi's call sparks debate on safety abroad.