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 confirms deaths of two Hamas gov't officials, legal head, PIJ financier
Shahin, Tzartzur, and al-’Aoul were involved in Hamas’ security and governance over the Gazan population, and Jibain played a central role in the transfer of funds to the West Bank PIJ.
Border Police opens investigation into soldiers who appeared at Bar Mitzvah with weapons
Netanyahu must take the lead on the haredi draft issue - opinion
Israel makes progress on Gaza talks, Hamas may have 'minor' comments, sources tell 'Post'
IDF builds secret northern Gaza outpost that will stop future Hamas invasions
The Jerusalem Post visited a new, secluded IDF outpost dubbed "Israela," built to prevent any future potential invasion from the Gaza Strip.
How the IDF reinforced Israel's northern border amid Syrian Druze tensions
In recent months, the IDF thwarted several attempts to transfer tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Syrian Golan region.
Two Israelis arrested by police after returning from Syria with Kalashnikov rifles
This comes after Israeli Druze civilians crossed from Israel into Syria in solidarity with their brethren amid violent clashes with Damascus security forces, particularly in Sweida.
WATCH: IDF kills terrorists, destroys tunnels in Gaza, Lebanon strikes
The IDF killed Hassan Ahmed Sabra, a commander in Hezbollah's naval force, and Iyad Nasr, deputy commander of Hamas's Jabalya Battalion, who was involved in the October 7 massacre.
Netanyahu confirms ceasefire, Syrian withdrawal from Sweida due to 'forceful action'
"I instructed the IDF to act with force because the Damascus regime sent its army south of the capital and massacred the Druze," Netanyahu said.
Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, Shas's Arbel rescinds resignation
Arye Deri to remain in Netanyahu's security cabinet, despite Shas leaving government • Interior Minister Moshe Arbel to stay in role to complete 'urgent tasks'
IDF soldier arrested for contact with Iranian agents, exchanging information for money
IDF soldier suspected of spying for Iran in exchange for financial incentives.
Netanyahu confirms Israeli strike on Gaza church, US 'did not support' Israel's actions in Syria
Police collect testimony from Rotter victim in US with FBI • US strikes reportedly only destroyed one of three Iranian nuclear sites • French court rules for release of Lebanese terrorist
'A crucial crossroad': Zamir hints at Israeli proximity to hostage deal to Givati troops
"In the coming days, we will know whether or not we have an agreement. I want to say to you: if there is a deal and the hostages return, it will be thanks to your combat,” Zamir said.
Significant progress in hostage talks following further Israeli flexibility, sources tell 'Post'
A meeting was held between the Israeli delegation and the Qatari and Egyptian delegations on Wednesday, in which Israel presented new maps that included additional Israeli concessions.
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.
