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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.


Palestinians at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, on March 18, 2025.
Israel is not messing around

Hamas leaders rushed to Cairo for urgent talks as Gaza fighting intensifies

Israel’s stance ties any ceasefire to hostage releases—a red line backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who’ve vowed to dismantle Hamas’s military capacity.

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Abu Hamza

Gates of Hell

Islamic Jihad Spokesman "Abu Hamza" Killed in IDF Strike on Gaza Camp

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Palestinians mourn the death of Palestinians killed in an Israeli air strike outside the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, March 18, 2025.

IDF: "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes"

IDF’s secret strike stuns Hamas: Inside the overnight assault on Gaza

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Smoke rises after an Israeli air strike in Gaza city, March 18, 2025.

Back in Business

Gaza War could escalate: Here's what to expect

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When Will It End?

The Persecution Continues: Attorney General Demands Additional Personal Sanctions Against Torah Students | Here's the List

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Shira Albag, mother of hostage Liri Albag speaks during a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at "Hostage Square" in Tel Aviv, January 11, 2025.

Will the hostilities bring our hostages back?

"Don’t Forget Them": Freed Hostages Plead for 59 Still Trapped as Gaza Fighting Resumes

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Evacuation map.

War Brewing

IDF orders evacuation of Gaza perimeter area

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Gaza post IDF strikes, 17 March 2025

The Gates of Hell opened

IDF’s deadly Gaza blitz: Hundreds killed, 5 Hamas leaders wiped out in surprise strike

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Flight. Illustration.

Let's See If They Work

Leading Israeli Rabbis Clarify Guidelines for Yeshiva Students Regarding Draft Enforcement

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Idan Amedi

‘Everything Went Black’: A Soldier’s Chilling Account of Gaza’s Deadliest Day

Idan Amedi’s near-death experience: ‘We were covered in blood,’ commander reveals in exclusive interview

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IDF in Gaza Strip.

Hope The IDF Is Prepared

Report: Hamas preparing for repeat of October 7 soon

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Air strike in Syria.

What - Or Who - Are They Targeting?

Report: IDF launching multiple air strikes in Lebanon and Syria

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Defense Minister Israel Katz and MK Yuli Edelstein

MKs Sound the Alarm: Is the Government Sabotaging Israel’s War Goals?

MKs demand urgent Knesset meeting on war goals, slam Government inaction

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IDF patrolling the border with Gaza.

Two Birds With One Stone?

Gaza Strip: IDF hits two groups of terrorists threatening Israeli forces

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Ultra Orthodox Jews walking next to a Pashkevil on the IDF draft law in the ultra orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim, in Jerusalem, March 15, 2024.

Religious-Political Tensions

A Haredi Yeshiva student ignored his IDF summons. Last night he was arrested and jailed.

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Bill Burr

From Fading Comic to Geopolitical Clown

WATCH: Comedian Bill Burr mocks Israel - Israel activists rip into him

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Hadassa Ben Ari

Beyond Patriarchy

Hadassa Ben Ari: 'I’m Still Tied to a Man Who Isn’t Mine Anymore' 

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Israel Katz with Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu VS Shin Bet: A a step toward civil war?

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Haredim and IDF Soldiers at Western Wall

We cannot allow a society where some bleed while others watch from the sidelines

The time has come: Haredi draft is essential for Israel’s equality and survival

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Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

More War In The Holy Land

IDF bracing for Houthi attacks from Yemen

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