Israel Defense Forces

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: צבא ההגנה לישראל

, Tzva HaHagana LeYisrael, lit. "The Army of Defense for Israel") are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. The IDF is headed by its Chief of General Staff, who is subordinate to the Minister of Defense.

History

The IDF was established on May 26, 1948, shortly after the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. It was formed out of the paramilitary group Haganah, incorporating the Irgun and Lehi organizations. The IDF has since participated in all of Israel's major military operations, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, the 1982 Lebanon War, the 2006 Lebanon War, and various operations in the Gaza Strip.

Structure

The IDF is divided into three main branches:

• Israeli Ground Forces
• Israeli Air Force
• Israeli Navy

Ground Forces

The Israeli Ground Forces are responsible for land-based military operations. They include infantry, armored corps, artillery, and engineering units.

Air Force

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is responsible for aerial defense and offensive operations. It operates a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Navy

The Israeli Navy is responsible for maritime defense and operations. It includes missile boats, submarines, and naval commandos.

Conscription

Israel has a mandatory military service requirement for most citizens over the age of 18. Men serve for three years, while women serve for two years. There are exemptions and deferments available for various reasons, including religious study and medical conditions.

Special Units

The IDF has several elite units, including:

• Sayeret Matkal - General Staff Reconnaissance Unit
• Shayetet 13 - Naval Commando Unit
• Duvdevan Unit - Undercover Counter-Terrorism Unit

Technological Advancements

The IDF is known for its technological innovations, including the development of the Iron Dome missile defense system, the Merkava tank, and various UAVs.

International Relations

The IDF maintains close military relations with several countries, most notably the United States. It also participates in various international peacekeeping missions.

Controversies

The IDF has been involved in several controversies, particularly regarding its operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Issues such as the use of force, treatment of prisoners, and impact on civilian populations have been subjects of international debate.

See Also

• Haganah
• Irgun
• Lehi (militant group)
• Six-Day War
• Yom Kippur War
• Iron Dome
• Merkava