57-706: The Planning Directorate was the central body in the Israel Defense Forces ' General Staff whose focus was on strategic and tactical planning, the building of military forces, and military organization of the armed forces. It also served as a planning body for the Ministry of Defense , representing the IDF in various related fields to the Minister of Defense . It comprised the Planning Division,
114-785: A close security relationship with the United States , including in research and development cooperation, with joint efforts on the F-15I and the Arrow defence system, among others. The IDF is believed to have maintained an operational nuclear weapons capability since 1967 , possibly possessing between 80 and 400 nuclear warheads . The IDF’s actions and policies in the Palestinian territories have faced widespread criticism, with accusations of repression , discrimination, and abuses of Palestinian rights . The Israeli cabinet ratified
171-676: A "warning shot" by firing a single Tamuz anti-tank missile and released a statement warning further retaliation if the attacks persist. The FSA issued a statement, claiming that Israel hit FSA forces that were closing in on Damascus forces and negotiating their surrender, and warned against any further interference in the Syrian conflict in favor of Assad's regime. [REDACTED] Tel Hazeka , Golan Heights : A stray mortar shell from Syria's Quneitra Governorate landed near an Israeli military outpost. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : IDF's tanks fired on two D-3 mortar launchers belonging to
228-508: A Syrian outpost. Israel further responded by carrying out multiple airstrikes against Syrian targets, including a military headquarters, artillery batteries and a Syrian army training base. The Syrian army reported that the Israeli airstrikes killed one Syrian soldier and wounded seven. [REDACTED] 4 soldiers wounded [REDACTED] 1 soldier killed, 7 wounded [REDACTED] Mount Hermon , Golan Heights : Syrian shells flew in
285-498: A five-year program envisioned by Rabbi Yehuda Amital which combines Torah learning and military service . Some distinguished recruits are selected to be trained to eventually become members of special forces units . Every brigade in the IDF has its special force branch. Career soldiers are paid on average NIS 23,000 a month, fifty times the NIS 460 paid to conscripts. In 1998–2000, only about 9% of those who refused to serve in
342-504: A four pocket tunic (yarkit/yerkit) worn untucked with a pistol belt cinched tight around the waist over the shirt. The IDF Air Corps has a dress uniform consisting of a pale blue shirt with dark blue trousers. Most IDF soldiers are issued black leather combat boots , certain units issue reddish-brown leather boots for historical reasons — the paratroopers, combat medics, Nahal and Kfir Brigades, as well as some Special Forces units ( Sayeret Matkal , Oketz , Duvdevan , Maglan , and
399-979: A full-scale defence force after the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine with an organized structure, consisting of three main units—the Field Corps , Guard Corps , and the Palmach . During World War II, the Yishuv participated in the British war effort, culminating in the formation of the Jewish Brigade . These would eventually form the backbone of the Israel Defense Forces, and provide it with its initial manpower and doctrine. Following Israel's Declaration of Independence , Prime Minister and Defense Minister David Ben-Gurion issued an order for
456-490: A missile military base near the agricultural institute. Quoted eyewitnesses said there were no casualties, but that the base was severely damaged. The site was reportedly attacked by Israeli vessels from the Mediterranean sea. International outlets reported that the target was to hit P-800 Oniks reservoirs - an advanced naval missile capable of hitting targets at close range, 300 km, while other sources claimed that
513-583: A mortar shell launched from Syria hit the Golan Heights, causing no injuries or damage. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : the IDF responded by firing at suspicious positions on the Syrian side of the border. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : a rocket hit the area. [REDACTED] Baath City / al-Kawm , Quneitra : in retaliation, Israeli warplanes struck three targets in Quneitra area. UK-based SOHR reported that Israeli warplanes struck
570-480: A position in the reserve forces. No distinction is made between the assignment of men and women to reserve service. Israeli%E2%80%93Syrian ceasefire line incidents during the Syrian civil war [REDACTED] Israel Axis of Resistance [REDACTED] ISIL (until 2018) Israel Defence Forces : 15 injured Equipment losses: Axis of Resistance : 244–512 killed Equipment losses: Several incidents have taken place on
627-511: A source in a Syria rebel unit in Damascus, Israel's F-16s attacked three times in Damascus. One of the attacks, he said, was carried out in the town of Al-Ma'atta, west of Damascus. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : an Israeli vehicle was hit by Syrian fire. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : Source of the attack was destroyed by Israeli fire. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : Several mortar rounds were fired from Syria and hit across
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#1732781070925684-788: A strategic missile battery near a village called Ain Shikak where Assad's long-range Russian missiles were kept. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : An explosive device was detonated close to an Israeli jeep near the Syrian border. One soldier was seriously wounded. Another three soldiers sustained light-to-moderate injuries. This occurred a few days after a similar incident on the Israeli-Lebanese border when another explosive device targeted an Israeli jeep and Israel responded with artillery and tank fire towards Lebanon. Israel blamed Hezbollah for both incidents. [REDACTED] An IDF 155mm artillery battery returned fire, firing several shells at
741-550: Is Herzi Halevi . The IDF includes the following bodies. Those whose respective heads are members of the General Staff are in bold: Ground Arm Air and Space Arm Sea Arm General Staff The IDF operates, as of 2024, a Multi-Domain Joint Operations Array, dealing with multi-domain operations , a joint warfare branch. Military: Civilian: Unlike most militaries,
798-707: Is subordinate to the Israeli Defense Minister . On the orders of first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion , the IDF was formed on 26 May 1948 and began to operate as a conscript military , drawing its initial recruits from the already-existing paramilitaries of the Yishuv —namely Haganah , the Irgun , and Lehi . It was formed shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence and has participated in every armed conflict involving Israel . In
855-604: The 7th , and 8th armoured brigades, Oded , Harel , Yiftach , and the Negev . After the war, some of the brigades were converted to reserve units, and others were disbanded. Directorates and corps were created from corps and services in the Haganah, and this basic structure in the IDF still exists today . Immediately after the 1948 war, the Israel-Palestinian conflict shifted to a low-intensity conflict between
912-583: The Gaza War (2008–2009) , the 2012 Gaza War , the 2014 Gaza War , and the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis , causing the IDF to change many of its values and publish the IDF Code of Ethics . The Lebanese Shia organization Hezbollah has also been a growing threat, against which the IDF fought an asymmetric conflict between 1982 and 2000, as well as a full-scale war in 2006. The Israel Defense Forces have been accused of committing various war crimes since
969-483: The HSAT Mk II/Mk III paratrooper helmets ), US M1 helmet , and French Modèle 1951 helmet – previously worn by Israeli infantry and airborne troops from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s and early 1980s. Some corps or units have small variations in their uniforms – for instance, military police wear a white belt and police hat , Naval personnel have dress whites for parades, paratroopers are issued
1026-909: The Israeli–Syrian ceasefire line during the Syrian Civil War , straining the relations between the countries . The incidents are considered a spillover of the Quneitra Governorate clashes since 2012 and later incidents between Syrian Army and the rebels, ongoing on the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan and the Golan Neutral Zone and the Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian Civil War . Through
1083-685: The Jewish Legion , both part of the British Army of World War I , further bolstered the Yishuv with military experience and manpower, forming the basis for later paramilitary forces. After the 1920 Palestine riots against Jews in April 1920, the Yishuv leadership realized the need for a nationwide underground defence organization, and the Haganah was founded in June 1920. The Haganah became
1140-567: The West Bank , including East Jerusalem ). In 2000, the IDF withdrew from Southern Lebanon and in 2005 from Gaza . Conflict between Israel and Islamist groups based in Gaza, notably Hamas , has continued since then. Moreover, notable Israeli–Syrian border incidents have occurred frequently since 2011, due to regional instability caused by the Syrian civil war . Since 1967, the IDF has maintained
1197-901: The founding of Israel in 1948. Israel ratified the Geneva Conventions on July 6, 1951, and on January 2, 2015, the State of Palestine acceded to the Rome Statute , granting the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). A 2017 report by Human Rights Watch accused the IDF of unlawful killings , using excessive force in policing situations , forced displacement , excessive use of detention and excessive restrictions on movement , as well as criticized
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#17327810709251254-533: The Counter-Terror School). Women were also formerly issued sandals , but this practice has ceased. IDF soldiers have three types of insignia (other than rank insignia) which identify their corps, specific unit, and position. A pin attached to the beret identifies a soldier's corps. Individual units are identified by a shoulder tag attached to the left shoulder strap . The position/job of a soldier can then be identified by an aiguillette attached to
1311-892: The Defense of Israel ' ), alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal ( צה״ל ), is the national military of the State of Israel . It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces , the Israeli Air Force , and the Israeli Navy . It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security apparatus . The IDF is headed by the Chief of the General Staff , who
1368-460: The Golan Heights came under artillery and small arms fire from Syrian Army forces. No injuries were reported, but damage was inflicted to an IDF vehicle. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : The IDF returned fire using tanks and Tamuz anti-tank guided missile towards a Syrian army outpost, close to where the patrol came under fire. The IDF claimed a direct hit on the source of the fire. [REDACTED] Al-Ma'atta , Damascus : according to
1425-565: The Haganah, also joined the IDF with provisions , and Ben Gurion responded by disbanding its staff in 1949, after which many senior Palmach officers retired, notably its first commander, Yitzhak Sadeh . The new army organized itself when the 1947–48 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine escalated into the 1948 Arab–Israeli War , which saw neighbouring Arab states attack. Twelve infantry and armoured brigades formed: Golani , Carmeli , Alexandroni , Kiryati , Givati , Etzioni ,
1482-533: The IDF and Palestinian fedayeen . In the 1956 Suez Crisis , the IDF's first serious test of strength after 1949, the new army captured the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, which was later returned. In the 1967 Six-Day War , Israel conquered the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip , West Bank (including East Jerusalem ) and Golan Heights from the surrounding Arab states, changing the balance of power in
1539-709: The IDF answer to a single General Staff . The Chief of the General Staff is the only serving officer having the rank of Lieutenant General ( Rav Aluf ). He reports directly to the Defense Minister and indirectly to the Prime Minister of Israel and the cabinet. Chiefs of Staff are formally appointed by the cabinet, based on the Defense Minister's recommendation, for three years. The government can vote to extend their service to four, and on rare occasions even five years. The current chief of staff
1596-480: The IDF uses the same rank names in all corps, including the air force and navy. From the formation of the IDF until the late 1980s, sergeant major was a particularly important warrant officer rank, in line with usage in other armies. In the 1980s and 1990s the proliferating ranks of sergeant major became devalued, and now all professional non-commissioned officer ranks are a variation on sergeant major ( rav samal ) except for rav nagad . All translations here are
1653-500: The IDF's support and protection for Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory . Human rights experts argue that actions taken by the IDF during armed conflicts in the OPT fall under the rubric of war crimes. Various UN special rapporteurs , alongside human rights and aid organizations including Human Rights Watch , Médecins Sans Frontières , Amnesty International , have accused Israel of war crimes. All branches of
1710-479: The Israeli military were granted an exemption. Permanent service is designed for soldiers who choose to continue serving in the army after their regular service, for a short or long period, and in many cases making the military their career. Permanent service is based on a contractual agreement between the IDF and the permanent position holder. After personnel complete their regular service, they are either granted permanent exemption from military service or assigned
1767-655: The Planning Directorate's former functions, and the Strategy and Third-Circle Directorate (formerly the Strategy and Iran Directorate), led by Aluf Tal Kalman [ he ] . This Israel Defense Forces -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Israel Defense Forces The Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ; Hebrew : צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל Tsva ha-Hagana le-Yisra'el , lit. ' Army for
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1824-777: The Strategic Planning and tactical Relations Division, the Centre for Systems Analysis, and the Infrastructure and Organization Division. Ramatkal Dan Halutz reorganized the Directorate in 2006 to incorporate the old External Relations Directorate. In 2020, the Planning Directorate was split into two General Staff Directorates: the main Multi-Branch Force Buildup Directorate , led by Aluf Tomer Bar , which retained most of
1881-469: The Syrian army, and confirmed a direct hit on the source of the fire. [REDACTED] Tel Hazeka , Golan Heights : Syrian Army fire hit an IDF patrol near the DMZ, damaging one jeep; no injuries were reported. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : IDF fired artillery at the Syrian post in response. Israel confirmed a direct hit on the source of fire and said that Syrian soldiers may have been killed by
1938-407: The area. There were no reports of injuries or damage. [REDACTED] Tell Hazeka , Golan Heights : An IDF patrol on the border came under light fire from across the border. There were no reports of injuries or damage. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : IDF's tanks hit a Syrian military outpost. The IDF confirmed a direct hit. [REDACTED] El Rom , Golan Heights : An IDF patrol in
1995-424: The border were shot twice in the span of 12 hours by Syrian fire. No Israeli soldiers were hurt in the shooting, though IDF vehicles were hit. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : in retaliation, the IDF fired a Tamuz anti-tank guided missile against a Syrian machine gun nest, confirming a direct hit towards the source of the fire. [REDACTED] Mount Peres , Golan Heights : a Syrian mortar landed near
2052-399: The border, leading to a fire that broke out and ignited in the area where Israeli tanks were reportedly stationed. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : several Syrian mortar shells exploded in the Golan Heights. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : a Syrian army position was fired by the IDF using a guided missile. [REDACTED] Sanawbar - Jableh , Latakia : Huge explosions hit
2109-562: The control over human resources and its placement. National military service is mandatory for all Israeli citizens over the age of 18, although Arab (but not Druze ) citizens are exempted if they so please, and other exceptions may be made on religious, physical or psychological grounds (see Profile 21 ). The Tal law exempted ultra-Orthodox Jews from service. In June 2024, Israel's Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Haredi Jews were eligible for compulsory service, ending nearly eight decades of exemption. The army began drafting Haredi men
2166-537: The direction of Israeli military positions. No injuries or damage have been occurred. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : the IDF responded with artillery salvos toward the sources of fire. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : the Israeli military launched several airstrikes targeting Syrian troops in retaliation for the attack. At least ten Syrian soldiers were killed during the strikes. [REDACTED] 1 civilian killed and 3 wounded [REDACTED] 10 soldiers killed [REDACTED] Golan Heights :
2223-598: The following month. Until the draft of July 2015, men served three years in the IDF. Men drafted since July 2015 serve two years and eight months (32 months), with some roles requiring an additional four months of Permanent service. Women serve two years. The IDF women who volunteer for several combat positions often serve for three years, due to the longer period of training. Women in other positions, such as programmers, who also require lengthy training time, may also serve three years. Many Religious Zionist men (and many Modern Orthodox who make Aliyah ) elect to do Hesder ,
2280-451: The formation of the Israel Defense Forces on 26 May 1948. Although Ben-Gurion had no legal authority to issue such an order, the order was made legal by the cabinet on 31 May. The same order called for the disbandment of all other Jewish armed forces. The two other Jewish underground organizations, Irgun and Lehi , agreed to join the IDF if they would be able to form independent units and agreed not to make independent arms purchases. This
2337-518: The headquarters of the 90th Brigade and the Baath City, where the Syrian government's headquarters and administrative centers are located. SOHR reported that the Israeli attack killed 4, two guards and two women, and injured 10 others. Turkish-based Daily Sabah , quoted a Syrian opposition claiming the killing of 18 Syrian, including eight civilians and ten soldiers. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : Three errant mortar shells fired from Syria hit
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2394-465: The incident. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : The Syrian Army retaliated by firing an additional mortar shell that landed in the demilitarized zone. [REDACTED] Golan Heights : Clashes between rebels and the Syrian army resulted in stray bullets striking near an IDF vehicle driving along the DMZ. No injuries or damage were reported, and Israel did not retaliate. [REDACTED] 1 killed [REDACTED] Golan Heights : Israeli troops near
2451-567: The incidents, which began in late 2012, as of mid-2014, one Israeli civilian was killed and at least 4 soldiers wounded; on the Syrian-controlled side, it is estimated that at least ten soldiers were killed, as well as two unidentified militants, who were identified near Ein Zivan on Golan Heights. [REDACTED] Tel Hazeka , Golan Heights : A stray mortar shell from Syria's Quneitra Governorate landed near an Israeli military outpost. [REDACTED] Quneitra Governorate : Israel responded with
2508-502: The left shoulder strap and shirt pocket, and a pin indicating the soldier's work type. The military service is held in three different tracks: Sometimes the IDF would also hold pre-military courses (קורס קדם צבאי or קד"צ) for soon-to-be regular service soldiers. The Israeli Manpower Directorate ( Hebrew : אגף משאבי אנוש ) at the Israeli General Staff is the body which coordinates and assembles activities related to
2565-427: The madei bet is in olive drab . The dress uniforms may also exhibit a surface shine The service uniform for all ground forces personnel is olive green ; navy and air force uniforms are beige / tan (also once worn by the ground forces). The uniforms consist of a two-pocket shirt, combat trousers , sweater , jacket or blouse, and shoes or boots. The navy also has an all-white dress uniform. The green fatigues are
2622-542: The much more consequential (but falsely-claimed "first" such organization), Bar-Giora , founded in September 1907. Bar-Giora was transformed into Hashomer in April 1909, which operated until the British Mandate of Palestine came into being in 1920. Hashomer was an elitist organization with a narrow scope and was mainly created to protect against criminal gangs seeking to steal property. The Zion Mule Corps and
2679-412: The name "Israel Defense Forces" ( Hebrew : צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל ), Tzva HaHagana LeYisra'el , literally "the army for the defence of Israel," on 26 May 1948. The other main contender was Tzva Yisra'el ( Hebrew : צְבָא יִשְׂרָאֵל ). The name was chosen because it conveyed the idea that the army's role was defence and incorporated the name Haganah , the pre-state defensive organization upon which
2736-735: The new army was based. Among the primary opponents of the name were Minister Haim-Moshe Shapira and the Hatzohar party, both in favor of Tzva Yisra'el . The IDF traces its roots to Jewish paramilitary organizations in the New Yishuv , starting with the Second Aliyah (1904 to 1914). There had been several such organizations, or in part even older date, such as the "Mahane Yehuda" mounted guards company founded by Michael Halperin in 1891 (see Ness Ziona ), HaMagen (1915–17), HaNoter (1912–13; see Zionism: Pre-state self-defense ), and
2793-470: The official translations of the IDF's website. Conscripts ( Hogrim ) (Conscript ranks may be gained purely on time served) Warrant Officers ( Nagadim ) Academic officers ( Ktzinim Akadema'im ) Officers ( Ktzinim ) The Israel Defense Forces has several types of uniforms: The first two resemble each other but the Madei Alef is made of higher quality materials in a golden olive while
2850-879: The region as well as the role of the IDF. In the following years leading up to the Yom Kippur War , the IDF fought in the War of Attrition against Egypt in the Sinai and a border war against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Jordan , culminating in the Battle of Karameh . The surprise of the Yom Kippur War and its aftermath completely changed the IDF's procedures and approach to warfare. Organizational changes were made and more time
2907-404: The same for winter and summer and heavy winter gear is issued as needed. Women's dress parallels the men's but may substitute a skirt for trousers and a blouse for a shirt. Headgear included a service cap for dress and semi-dress and a field cap or "Kova raful" bush hat worn with fatigues. Many IDF personnel once wore the tembel as a field hat. IDF personnel generally wear berets instead of
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#17327810709252964-588: The service cap and there are many beret colours issued to IDF personnel. Paratroopers are issued a maroon beret, Golani brown, Givati purple, Nahal lime green, Kfir camouflage, Combat Engineers grey, navy blue for IDF Naval and dark grey for IDF Air Force personnel. In combat uniforms, the Orlite helmet has replaced the British Brodie helmet Mark II/Mark III , RAC Mk II modified helmet with chin web jump harness (used by paratroopers and similar to
3021-657: The target was SA-125 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles. Al-Arabiya reported that Israel targeted SA-8 missiles. A US government official confirmed that Israel was behind the attack and that the targets were missiles and equipment that Israel feared Syria might transfer to Hezbollah. US officials quoted by AFP confirmed the Israeli airstrike, and claimed that the target was SA-125 missiles. [REDACTED] Damascus : Al-Arabiya reported that Israel attacked and destroyed SA-8 missiles, which were supposed to reach Hezbollah. [REDACTED] Ain Shikak : A Syrian opposition source quoted by Reuters said that Israel struck
3078-410: The wake of the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty and the 1994 Israel–Jordan peace treaty , the IDF underwent a significant strategic realignment. Previously spread across various fronts— Lebanon and Syria in the north, Jordan and Iraq in the east, and Egypt in the south—the IDF redirected its focus towards southern Lebanon and its occupation of the Palestinian territories (the Gaza Strip and
3135-455: Was dedicated to training for conventional warfare . However, in the following years the army's role slowly shifted again to low-intensity conflict, urban warfare and counter-terrorism . An example of the latter was the successful 1976 Operation Entebbe commando raid to free hijacked airline passengers being held captive in Uganda . During this era, the IDF also mounted a successful bombing mission in Iraq to destroy its nuclear reactor. It
3192-457: Was involved in the Lebanese Civil War , initiating Operation Litani and later the 1982 Lebanon War , where the IDF ousted Palestinian guerrilla organizations from Lebanon . For twenty-five years the IDF maintained a security zone inside South Lebanon with their allies the South Lebanon Army . Palestinian militancy has been the main focus of the IDF ever since, especially during the First and Second Intifadas , Operation Defensive Shield ,
3249-413: Was the background for the Altalena Affair , a confrontation surrounding weapons purchased by the Irgun resulting in a standoff between Irgun members and the newly created IDF. The affair came to an end when Altalena , the ship carrying the arms, was shelled by the IDF. Following the affair, all independent Irgun and Lehi units were either disbanded or merged into the IDF. The Palmach, a leading component of
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