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.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that these strikes are just the beginning.
The move is intended to prepare the ground for the next phase of the operation, which is a broad ground offensive against Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed further strikes after the series of Houthi missile attacks this week.
After a five-year investigation, authorities determined that Gassner was buried in a mass grave in Rehovot alongside two fellow soldiers.
The absence of IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin from Israel’s public messaging has created a dangerous vacuum in a time of war.
IAF's strikes targeted Beit Lahiya and Jabalya in northern Gaza with heavy airstrikes on Thursday overnight, The Jerusalem Post has learned
The latest attack at Peduel shows that even in areas where the IDF has been most aggressive in the West Bank, there will always be gaps that security forces cannot cover.
Despite the growing calls, even within the coalition, for eligible haredi men to join the IDF, the reality on the ground has not changed very much.
A ceremony will be held in Rehovot, at which Gessner's name will be added to the headstone of the collective burial site containing all three bodies, the IDF confirmed.
Capt. (res.) Liam Spielman and St.-Sgt. Noa Cohen, wounded while fighting for the State of Israel, discuss the importance of Beit Halochem
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