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

Highway 4 closed south of Ramat Gan ahead of haredi draft protests

New PM military secretary and Washington attaché join IDF General Staff

Some 25 Yeshivot Hesder boycott IDF's tank corps due to new pilot program to incorporate women

IED explosion wounds two IDF soldiers during counterterrorism operation in Jenin

IDF will continue its mission to disarm Hamas, military chief Zamir tells soldiers in Gaza Strip

Israel depends on reservists, it’s time to build policies around that reality - opinion

WATCH: IDF strikes Hezbollah in Beirut's Dahiyeh after terror group ignores ceasefire

Israel must overhaul trauma care for 50,000 former IDF soldiers, defense committee urges

Lebanon sentences anti-Hezbollah activists to 15 years in absentia for ‘inciting’ IDF action

Chief Sgt. First Class (res.) Haim Kalomiti, 55, killed in central Israel terror attack

The Beirut trap: Why success in Southern Lebanon may not be enough- opinion

Israel is taxing its future to subsidize those who do not serve - opinion

IDF strikes Iran after Trump requests no Israeli retaliation for missile attack

IDF, Shin Bet kill Hamas Nukhba commander who led infiltration into Kissufim during Oct. 7 massacre