IDF

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 Eyal Zamir.

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.

IDF strikes Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatiya after terrorists launch drones towards soldiers

This follows reports from Hezbollah-run Al Manar TV claiming that the IDF struck Rumman, a village in southern Lebanon, earlier on Wednesday.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, WALLA

IDF strikes in southern Lebanon. August 27, 2026.

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men at the Tel Hashomer IDF base, August 30, 2026.

Haredi enlistment to combat units jumps 30% as over 250 men join IDF in recent draft cycle

Current assessments indicate that some of the tracks are expected to meet the recruitment targets set by the head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026|ByAMIR BOHBOT

Over 300 lone soldiers join the IDF through Garin Tzabar Scouts program.

From midrasha to the IDF: A journey toward serving Israel - opinion

For religious young women, a year of learning and volunteering in Israel can become a foundation for meaningful army service.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026|ByLILAH ROSENBERG

Palestinian Hamas terrorists stand guard on the day of the handover of hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025.

An enemy from within: How Gazan militias became Hamas’s new nightmare - analysis

In recent months, Hamas’s security apparatuses have operated on several fronts in an attempt to confront the militias opposing the organization.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026|ByAMIR BOHBOT

Meet the small, growing wave of Latin American IDF lone soldiers

A growing network of Latin American lone soldiers are building a roadmap for those following in their footsteps

AUGUST 31, 2026ByESTHER SHABOT

Ofir Levy with the Panamanian flag during his ‘masa kumta,’ the final march marking the completion of combat training in the IDF.

Premium

Iran targets US forces in UAE, Jordan as Trump says attacks were 'a very good thing'

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Gadi Zaig - the top stories, clear and concise.

AUGUST 31, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

US President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts a back-to-school-themed event to highlight his administration's education policies, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, August 24, 2026; illustrative.

Smotrich backs Givati soldiers jailed after refusing APC with female paramedic

“I support the Givati soldiers who insisted on their right and duty to serve in the IDF while preserving their values and faith and while adhering to the Joint Service Order,” Smotrich said.

AUGUST 31, 2026BySHIR PERETS

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich attends the Religious Zionism party primaries ahead of the upcoming Israeli general elections, in Jerusalem, July 26, 2026.

WATCH: Anti-draft protesters try to block roads into Tel Hashomer base, prevent haredi enlistment

Ya'akov Dori Street in Kiryat Ono, from Levi Eshkol Street to Shlomo Hamelech, is blocked in both directions, Israel Police said, urging drivers to take alternate routes.

AUGUST 31, 2026ByAVI ASHKENAZI , MIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) protesters outside of Tel Hashomer IDF recruitment center in central Israel, August 31, 2026.

Trump says Iran is 'failed nation' as Iranian official calls latest attacks 'limited' confrontation

Bessent says Iran is lashing out amid economic pressure of sanctions • US says no ships hit mines in Strait of Hormuz • Hezbollah shifts to guerrilla warfare

AUGUST 31, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 151, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during the ongoing conflict with Iran July 31, 2026.

At least seven IDF soldiers sent to military prison for refusing to board APC with female medic

The incident followed an announcement in June that hesder yeshivas would stop sending their students for IDF enlistment after the military announced a pilot program for female soldiers.

AUGUST 30, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

FEMALE IDF field intelligence collection soldiers S, D, and V in the Syrian buffer zone.

How are Gazan gangs affecting the strip amid Israel, US election cycles? - analysis

Hamas remains the decisive power as things stall despite efforts from multiple directions to shift the Gaza Strip's status quo.

AUGUST 30, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

Palestinians carrying flags, body bags during a funeral ceremony in Gaza City on August 20, 2026.

Sniper bullet nearly hit him, now he commands battalion built after Oct. 7 failures - interview

Lt.-Col. (res.) Eli Zilberman describes the establishment of the Tzuri Battalion, its operations in the Benjamin Brigade sector, and the lessons learned from the October 7 attack.

AUGUST 30, 2026ByAMIR BOHBOT

The Tzuri Battalion aimed to help address the IDF's deep shortcomings.

IDF: Israel’s Apache deal not off, but at risk as NIS 15 billion delay drags on

Yet another deadline was missed last Thursday, but some of the leaks in Hebrew media seem to be exaggerating the consequences of the blown deadlines.

AUGUST 30, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

A Polish Air Forces US-made AH-6h Apache helicopter participates in a lake crossing, as troops from Poland and Lithuania take part in the "Bursztynowy Obronca-26" (Amber Defender) military exercise on the Orzysz military training ground, north-eastern Poland, on June 24, 2026.

IDF, Israel Police trade blame as West Bank settler violence ramps up: 'Where was the military?'

Settlers arrived at the Palestinian villages of Kusra and Jalud on Saturday afternoon, barricading themselves inside a Palestinian home and hurling stones at locals.

AUGUST 30, 2026ByAVI ASHKENAZI , 103FM