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Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Israel's unified military force combining army, air force and navy, currently engaged in multiple operations including the Gaza war, northern border defense, and counter-terrorism

IDF

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), known in Hebrew as Tzahal, is Israel's unified military organization encompassing its ground forces, air force, and navy. As Israel's primary defense institution, the IDF operates under a unified command structure and is responsible for protecting the country's borders, citizens, and interests through both defensive and offensive operations.

Currently, the IDF is engaged in multiple concurrent operations, with its primary focus on the ongoing war in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Under the leadership of Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, IDF forces are conducting intensive ground operations in Gaza while simultaneously maintaining defensive positions along the northern border with Lebanon against Hezbollah threats.

The IDF maintains various specialized units and divisions, including the Nahal Brigade, Givati Brigade, and the newly established Hashmonaim Brigade for ultra-Orthodox recruits. These forces operate across different theaters, from counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria to defending against Houthi threats from Yemen, demonstrating the military's diverse operational capabilities.

Recent operations have highlighted both the IDF's strengths and challenges. While achieving significant tactical successes against Hamas infrastructure and leadership, the military has also faced casualties and operational setbacks, particularly in northern Gaza. The IDF has adapted its strategies, incorporating lessons learned from combat experiences and adjusting its approach to urban warfare and tunnel warfare.

The military organization places strong emphasis on technological advancement and intelligence capabilities, as evidenced by its sophisticated air defense systems and precision strike capabilities. The IDF's air force has been particularly active in conducting operations against various threats, from intercepting Houthi missiles to striking strategic targets in Syria and Lebanon.


Report: IDF drones terrorists in eastern Rafah
War's Not Over, Folks

Report: IDF drones terrorists in eastern Rafah

The IDF said that the suspects approached IDF forces in a threatening manner, which forced them to act.

Avi Woolf
2/16/2025
Bombs loaded onto trucks.

Things That Go KABOOM

WATCH: Finally! US bombs arrive in Israel

Avi Woolf
Scene of the wreckage.

Just So Many Of Them...

IDF eliminates senior Hezbollah commander

Avi Woolf1
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

It's True, Though...

Herzi Halevi: Hamas uniformed soldiers hid when they faced IDF

Avi Woolf1
Trump

A missed opportunity of mammoth proportions

Donald Trump's 12:00 Hamas deadline has come and gone - now what?

Gila Isaacson2
image of something

Welcome Home, Hero!

Photo Essay: Yair Horn, Israeli hostage, freed after 498 days in Hell

Gila Isaacson
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Some good news

BREAKING: Hamas Announces Names of 3 Israeli Hostages it will release tomorrow

Gila Isaacson1
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

Wonder What Party He'll Run For?

Report: Daniel Hagari expected to run in next elections

Avi Woolf, JFeed Staff1
Humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.

It's Crunch Time

Israel to Hamas: Want caravans? Release more hostages faster

Avi Woolf
Palestinian tent cities.

Let's Hope That's Enough

Hamas: We have guarantees to get the aid we wanted 

Avi Woolf
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Seems Like A Good Choice

Defense Minister Israel Katz appoints Tamir Yadai as Deputy IDF Chief

Avi Woolf1
IDF Airstrikes

No ceasefire where terror reigns

Breaking: IDF confirms conducting airstrikes in South Lebanon

Eliana Fleming
Arrest of illegal citizens from the West Bank

Major terror attack thwarted

Terror Plot Uncovered: Israeli-Arabs arrested for planning deadly attack on IDF soldiers

Eliana Fleming
Terrorists in Jenin

Jenin's terrorist threshold no more!

Major: IDF plans bold move in Jenin - Permanent military outposts on the horizon

Eliana Fleming
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Truly insane

Total lawlessness: Turkish aid reaches Gaza unchecked 

Avi Nachmani
Hamas rocket fire on October 7, 2023

We returned to 6.10: The IDF was satisfied with attacking the launcher

Breaking: IDF Hits Hamas Launcher - Israel’s Forceful Retaliation After Rocket Fired from Gaza

Eliana Fleming
Nukhba terrorists

No ruffling feathers

Dozens of Hamas terrorists approach Gazan buffer zone, no IDF response 

Avi Nachmani7
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This Will Get Grizzly...

Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz prepare for possible war in Gaza

Avi Woolf
Ohad Ben Ami leaves hospital

Incredibly moving

MUST WATCH: Released hostage Ohad Ben Ami went to visit Tel Aviv school kids as soon as he left the hospital - Here's why

Gila Isaacson