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 pummels Tehran with heavy fire, 50 Israeli fighter jets take part in attacks
Some 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets operated over the skies of Tehran throughout Saturday night, targeting facilities related to Iran's nuclear program.
Are Israelis facilitating an anti-Israel blood libel? - opinion
IDF still not sure if it killed Houthi military chief
IDF: Successes in Iran, but no deadline to end ballistic missile threat
Sources to 'Post': Israeli ministers told Khamenei ordered attacks on Israeli civilians
Israel conveyed a message in the last 24 hours to Iran that it would strike strategic infrastructure across the country if the Islamic Republic targets civilian population centers.
Sgt.-Maj. Noam Shemesh, 21, killed in combat in southern Gaza
Shemesh was killed by an RPG in southern Gaza, the IDF cleared for publication on Sunday morning.
US military intercepts Iranian missiles, drones aimed at Israel
American forces have been operating in the air, at sea, and on land to counter what Israeli military sources described as a sustained Iranian response to Israeli strikes.
Seven killed, at least 130 wounded in two direct hits in central Israel
The Home Front Command has estimated that some 35 people are still missing as searches continue.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei not 'off limits,' Israeli official tells WSJ
Israel has already claimed responsibility for the deaths of nine scientists instrumental in Iran's nuclear program, as well as senior Iranian generals.
WATCH: 'Tehran is ablaze': Israel strikes massive oil depot near Iranian capital, fire rages
Israel also targets the headquarters of Iran's Defense Ministry • Defense Minister Israel Katz: "Tehran is ablaze"
IDF targets Houthi chief of staff in Yemen strikes, military confirms to 'Post'
"We will soon know if it succeeded," an Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post.
'The deepest we have struck in Iran': Defrin updates Israel has struck hundreds of Iranian targets
Defrin "could not disclose" whether Khamenei is one of Israel's strike targets when asked by a reporter.
Iran supreme leader's top adviser Ali Shamkhani killed in Israeli strike, Iranian media says
Ali Shamkhani, top adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed in Israeli strikes on a "sensitive military center" in western Iran, local media said.
IDF drone strikes Iran's largest natural gas field, gas production partially suspended
The production of some 12 million cubic meters of gas was temporarily halted due to the Israeli attack on the South Pars gas field.
IDF confirms deaths of two Iranian officials in Israeli strikes
The head of the Intelligence Directorate of the Iranian armed forces and the commander of the ballistic missile array in the IRGC Air Force were both killed during Operation Rising Lion.
