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.
This is the second time this week that Yemen targeted Israel. An initial drone was fired toward the country on Monday.
By disabling significant parts of Syria's military, Israel’s swift action has prevented Syria from becoming a wholesale distributor of weapons of war.
Danny Danon addresses UN in Farsi, calls for action against Iran and support for peace.
One issue that remained unsolved is that Hamas has yet to formulate a list of hostages it is willing to release from captivity in Gaza.
IDF evacuates central Gaza amidst intensifying hostage deal talks • Extremist Israelis penetrated Lebanon, and Joseph’s Tomb area in Nablus.
Documents detail the moment Syrian soldiers started to flee, their watching of IDF maneuvers, and their feelings on "the beloved leader," Bashar Assad.
Shamriz was killed when he and two other hostages, Yotam Chaim and Samer Talalka, escaped their captors and were shot by the IDF.
IDF to announce further details on Yemen projectile • Netanyahu: military to remain on Mt. Hermon
“By analyzing our operations and the enemy’s tactics, we aim to ensure the IDF performs at its best in future missions,” said the system's product manager.
The three were shot dead a little over a year ago after they emerged from a building where they had been hiding, waving a white flag and calling to the soldiers in Hebrew.
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