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.
WHILE ISRAEL is fighting to defend national security on both the southern and northern fronts, much more attention is being given to the South.
In their most controversial statement yet, Forum Tivka, which has advocated to continue the Gaza war until victory, called on Netanyahu to resign.
The IDF has continued to pursue its main yet elusive target, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, who is reportedly moving through different tunnels to evade the IDF.
These types of claims occur daily, with Hezbollah often asserting it has targeted IDF troops, bases or various key sites in northern Israel.
Parents of combat soldiers issued a letter stating their concern for IDF ground operations in Rafah, referring to dangerous traps and preparation Hamas has made.
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world
From one day in the Iranian army, D. cannot tell much - except that the food in the IDF has superior food.
The operation, which took place over 12 hours in the Tulkarm area of the West Bank, saw five terrorists killed by IDF troops and others arrested.
This is absolutely necessary, but this must be done intelligently and with minimal impact on its economic and social fabric.
US tells Qatar to boot Hamas if deal rejected • US hands Gaza dock to Israel • Bibi reveals vision for future Gaza • IDF is operating north of Tulkarm, Gaza
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