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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.


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

In a gripping new book, *It’s Our Turn Now* (Am Oved Publishing), Captain (Res.) Shahar Turgeman recounts the harrowing moment he and singer-turned-soldier Idan Amedi were wounded together in Gaza.

Eliana Fleming20:23
IDF in Gaza Strip.

Hope The IDF Is Prepared

Report: Hamas preparing for repeat of October 7 soon

news-israel
Air strike in Syria.

What - Or Who - Are They Targeting?

Report: IDF launching multiple air strikes in Lebanon and Syria

news-israel
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

news-israel
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.

news-israel
Bill Burr

From Fading Comic to Geopolitical Clown

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

antisemitism
Hadassa Ben Ari

Beyond Patriarchy

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

jewish-world
Israel Katz with Benjamin Netanyahu

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

analysisYair Kleinbaum
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

opinionsEliana Fleming2
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

More War In The Holy Land

IDF bracing for Houthi attacks from Yemen

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Reason to smile? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Can 11 Hostages Be Freed Before Hamas’ Deadline Explodes?

11 hostages on the line: inside Netanyahu’s bold plan to outsmart Hamas’ demands

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Israel's border with Lebanon

IDF Eliminates Two Hezbollah Lookouts in Major Blow to Terror Operations

IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorists in Southern Lebanon—What’s behind the deadly operation?

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Violent battles between government forces and Houthi rebels

Houthi Threat Looms Again

Houthi attacks on Israel may resume, but this time it will be different

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Car parking lot in Israel

Top IDF Officer’s Blunder: Classified Secrets Lost in Ramat Gan

Security nightmare unleashed: Senior IDF Officer loses classified documents in parking lot

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Hamas, Islamic Jihad and thousands of People outside the house of Sinwar in Khan Younis, where two Israeli hostages and 5 Thai hostages were released to the Red Cross as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas, January 30, 2025.

Eisenkot and Opposition MKs Demand Urgent Knesset Debate 

Gadi Eisenkot's chilling warning: Hamas has 25,000 fighters ready for war; Islamic Jihad has 5,000

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The arms and the UNRWA vest found by the IDF

Terrorist Hideout in Samaria Linked to UNRWA

Unsettling discovery: UNRWA gear found in terrorist weapons cache in Samaria

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Fighter Jets Adir Aircraft F-35i landing in Israel

How the IDF's New F-35i Jets Are Set to Transform the Battlefield!

3 new fighter jets arrive in Israel: The game-changer for air superiority in the Middle East

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Steve Witkoff

I suggest you listen to us

Steve Witkoff warns Hamas: "Your window of opportunity is closing fast"

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In the direction of Gaza

IDF disciplines soldiers for shooting during Megillah reading

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