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 soldier arrested for contact with Iranian agents, exchanging information for money
IDF soldier suspected of spying for Iran in exchange for financial incentives.
Several wounded in strike on Gaza church, Russia condemns Israeli air strikes on Syria
'A crucial crossroad': Zamir hints at Israeli proximity to hostage deal to Givati troops
Significant progress in hostage talks following further Israeli flexibility, sources tell 'Post'
Syrian Druze fly Israeli flag on roof in Sweida as IDF strikes regime targets - report
The footage was also recirculated across Israeli media, including public broadcaster, KAN News.
Druze clashes in Syria escalate as Israel faces tough border choices - analysis
Israel has vowed to support the Druze; however, this is easier said than done.
IDF attempts to curb Syrian infiltrations into Israel, return Israelis crossing into Syria
The IDF emphasized that Israel citizens crossing into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the public and the IDF.
Syrian gov't will soon withdraw forces from Druze areas, Israeli official tells 'Post'
Earlier, Reuters reported that Syria's Druze have reached a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government in Sweida that will take immediate effect.
Trump hints at 'good news' regarding Gaza as Israel shows flexibility in hostage talks
Sirens by Dead Sea after Houthi missile launch • Shas exits Netanyahu's gov't,• Syrian Druze leaders reach ceasefire in Sweida • Israel's Druze community infiltrates Syria •
Knesset members urge Yuli Edelstein to lead discussion on IDF suicides, mental health crisis
Nine members of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee sent a letter calling for an immediate discussion on what they described as a sharp and troubling rise in suicides within the IDF.
Netanyahu, Smotrich visit IDF haredi brigade, praises soldiers' willingness to serve
Netanyahu, Smotrich, and senior defense officials, met with soldiers and commanders at the training facility and received a briefing on the brigade's operations.
Netanyahu offers to fire Edelstein for haredi parties staying in coalition
Edelstein called on haredi politicians to exhibit “national responsibility” and refrain from toppling the government over their insistence to exempt at least half of eligible haredim from IDF draft.
IDF soldier hospitalized after apparently suffering self-inflicted gunshot wound
It remains unclear if the event was an attempted suicide or an accident.
IDF shuffles several General Staff positions
Northern and Home Front Commands, Depth Corps, Planning Directorate, Military Colleges, and Technological and Logistics Directorate were among the positions with new commanders appointed.
WATCH: IDF destroys terror infrastructure in Gaza's Beit Hanun, Khan Yunis
IDF soldiers destroyed a Khan Yunis terror tunnel complex approximately 3.5 km long, which contained several tunnels, including sleeping quarters for terrorists.
