IDF

The Israel Defense Forces was established in 1948 by David Ben-Gurion from the remnants of pre-state Jewish forces Haganah, Lehi and Irgun, in order to create a unified army for the newly established State of Israel. The IDF is split into three branches – the land army, air force and navy, which all fall under the central command, headed by the IDF Chief of Staff.

The IDF is a conscript army, and most Israelis serve three years (men) or two years (women) of national service. Many men continue to do reserve duty until in their 40s.

Throughout its long history, the IDF has been an integral part of the development and protection of the Israeli state against foreign invasion and threats. The IDF has had to defend the country in five major wars and aims to protect the existence, territorial integrity, and security of the State of Israel. The IDF is Israel’s largest organization and an international leader in developing advanced weaponry, many of which have been successfully adapted for civilian use.

The declaration of Israel’s independence in May 1948 also marked the beginning of a series of wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Vastly outnumbered, the new state passed a series of laws aimed at bolstering the army’s fledgling numbers and to ensure that the IDF would become powerful enough to defend the small nation.

After the IDF victory against invading Arab armies in 1948-1949, the institution took on a new role in shaping Israel’s society. New immigrants from all over the world were recruited into the army and the IDF quickly became an integral part of society. The IDF provided basic and advanced education for new immigrants and also provided the option to pursue a successful career in the army.

Today, the IDF holds an integral and central place in Israeli politics and society. Although the IDF consumes most of the state’s annual budget, it continues to serves the Israeli economy through technological advances and export, and provides young Israelis with tools that can be used in building a future career in the public or private sectors.

Latest Stories on IDF

Israeli physician acquitted of libel against Mohammed al-Dura's father

French court overturns libel conviction of Dr. David Yehuda, who was sued by the father of Mohammed al-Dura, the boy who became a powerful symbol of the second intifada.

by Avi Issacharoff 0 comments

Litzman walks out on girls' choir at child safety conference

Deputy Health Minister's decision to leave event, at which he was a guest of honor, follows controversy in the army over requiring religious soldiers to attend official events featuring female singers.

by Revital Blumenfeld 0 comments

Ethan Bronner - Itzik Adri - February 2012

New York Times to have new Jerusalem bureau chief

Jerusalem bureau chief Ethan Bronner steps down two years after it was revealed that his son had decided to serve in the Israel Defense Forces.

by Emilie Grunzweig 0 comments

Rabbis to IDF chief: Ignore extremist Jews calling for the exclusion of women

In spat over women singing in IDF, both sides cite legendary rabbi, Shlomo Goren.

by Yair Ettinger 1 comments

View All Latest Opinion on IDF

Israel's never-ending Holocaust

The issue that should have sparked panic in last week's poll on religion is the total consensus among Israeli Jews that the 'guiding principle' for the country is 'to remember the Holocaust.'

by Merav Michaeli 13 comments

IDF must become more transparent

The appointment of generals cannot remain the private affair of the defense minister and the chief of staff. Defense Minister Ehud Barak in particular delays appointments based on considerations that are difficult to comprehend.

by Amir Oren 0 comments

Secular Israelis pay for the ultra-Orthodox free ride

Israeli society, the military and - no less - the ultra-Orthodox community need shaking up. This must start with the shelving of the Tal Law.

Haaretz Editorial 18 comments

A relationship ruined by infighting

Everything would have been avoided had the prime minister acted as a leader, imposing authority on the defense minister and the chief of staff. But in those days, Israel enjoyed neither leadership nor a prime minister, and those days have yet to pass.

by Amir Oren 1 comments

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