Background:

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is Israel's main organization set to protect and defend Israel. IDF is considered to be one of the most advanced Armies in the world, using multiple fighting techniques, most of them are made in Israel and the United States of America.

The headquarters of the IDF is called “MATKAL” translated as “The Main Branch”. The Israeli Planning Directorate “MATKAL”is the central body in the Israel Defense Forces' General Staff which deals with strategic planning, the building of military forces, and military organization. It also serves as a planning body for the Ministry of Defense, and represents the IDF in various related fields to the Minister of Defense. It consists of the Planning Division, the Strategic Planning and External Relations Division, the Centre for Systems Analysis, and the Infrastructure and Organization Division.

The IDF comprises the Israeli Army, Air Force and Sea Corps.The IDF is the protection that allows Israel to keep its independence and control over its land. It is working along with the “NACHAL” (volunteer organization, created to lift the moral of the Israeli soldiers), and Pre-Military organizations such as the “GADNA”. The IDF reports and is under the control of the Israeli government, and is running under the supervision of the Minister of Defense.

The Creation of the IDF and Independence War:

The IDF was founded May 26, 1948 after the establishment of the state of Israel "to protect the inhabitants of Israel and to combat all forms of terrorism which threaten the daily life".The IDF succeeded the “Haganah” (in particular, its operational branch, the “Palmach”) as the permanent army of the Jewish state. It was also joined by former elements of the Jewish Brigade that fought under the British flag during World War II.

After the establishment of the IDF the two Jewish underground organizations the Etzel and Lehi joined with the IDF in a loose confederation but were allowed to operate independently in some sectors until the end of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, after which these two organizations were disbanded, and their members integrated into the IDF. The modern IDF came into existence during the period from 1949 to 1956 by experience gained through regional conflicts with their Arab neighbors. From 1956 to 1966, the IDF faced less conflict and used this time to purchase new equipment and change from an upstart army to a professional fighting force. As well, this period allegedly saw Israel develop its nuclear capability. Following these developments, the IDF increasingly emerged as one of the most powerful and modern military forces in the world recognized by many as "The Modern Sparta".

IDF Recruiting:

National military service is mandatory for Jewish and Druze men and Jewish women over the age of 18, although exceptions may be made on religious, physical or psychological ground.
Men serve three years in the IDF, while women serve two. The IDF allowed women who volunteer for several combat positions to serve for three years because combat soldiers must undergo a lengthy period of training. Women in other positions, such as programmers, who require lengthy training time, may also serve three years. Women in most combat positions are also required to serve as reserve for several years after their dismissal from regular service.

Soldiers are categorized according to related groups. The selection is established according to test and information about your history. Your profile and related group selection are 2 major factors in the decision making on what position you will be assigned to. People with a profile lower than 21 are exempt from an army service due to mental/medical reasons. The highes profile score is 97. For some ethnical groups, joining the Israeli Army is a voluntary thing, such as the Druze. In addition, women are entitled to be exempt from service due to religious reasons. Talmudic students are also exempt from service. As their spirituality and prayers is their contribution. Some men continue serving the army for a period of 30 days per year for training as part of their reserve duty.

The Army service has 3 channels:

1. The regular Draft duty (enforced by law)

2. Continues service (after a contract agreement is signed to continue the service for additional years)

3. The reserves (when civilian are called to serve 30 days per year for training and to increase the forces during a war)

All 3 groups form the Israel defense force.

IDF Code of Ethics:

All Israeli soldiers are educated and raised on the basic rules of following your duty, responsibility, the purity of the weapon, the importance of human life, setting an example, discipline, friendship and more. These values an others were planted in the soldiers, as part of boot camps, officer’s training, conventions, education and more. Exception from those values brought authorities of the army to determine the IDF ethical code. The Code of Ethics was accepted in 1994 and was named: “The IDF Spirit”. It originated from 4 roots:

1. IDF traditional fighting to protect the state of Israel

2. The democratic spirit of the Israeli government

3. The Israeli nation’s tradition

4. Universal moral values which are based on the value of and the respect of a human being

IDF combat doctrine:

The doctrine of the fighting and building of the power of the Israeli Army includes several ideals of terms with respect to operational boost: Defensive strategy and aggressive tactic.

The defense: System of elaborate warning

The attack: Coordination of branches, transfer of the fighting to enemy line, and a speedy achievement of the targeted tasks.

IDF weapon

Most of the weapon the IDF is equipped with are made in the USA and were purchased with sponsored funds coming from the USA, as part of a mutual relationship between the two. Some weapon is developed in Israel by organizations such as RAFAEL, “The Military Industry” and “The Arial Industry” etc. Some of the weapon developed in Israel is exported to the outside world and some is left only for Israel use and is considered “surprise weapon”. It is highly guarded and is meant to give Israel the technological advancement above her opponents.

The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is the American partner of the AWIS. It is a not for profit organization working in corporation with the minister of defense. FIDF helps support social, educational and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. Today's support includes; building, maintaining and operating 17 modern and sophisticated facilities; establishing and renovating hundreds of clubrooms and fitness rooms on IDF bases; and the constant caring for each and every IDF soldier.