Israel Defense Forces

Israel Defence Army or Israel Defence Forces (Hebrew: צבא ההגנה לישראל, acronym: IDF or צה"ל, Tsah-hál) is the name of the military external defence forces of the state of [Israeli|Israel]. The IDF is a small, modern army comprised of career army soldiers, conscripted soldiers and a reserve force.

The three main branches of the army are the ground forces, the air force and the sea corps. They are not divided into a separate army, navy and air force.

The IDF was founded on May 26, 1948, shortly after the founding of the state of Israel. It succeeded (and combined it its name) by the pre-state Haganah organisation.

Doctrine

Its doctrine is founded on a highly educated and motivated population, as high a technology base as anywhere in the world, and intensive training. IDF describes its basic doctrine:

• Basic points
  • Israel cannot afford to lose a single war
  • Defensive on the strategic level, no territorial ambitions
  • Desire to avoid war by political means and a credible deterrent posture
  • Preventing escalation
  • Determine the outcome of war quickly and decisively
  • Combating terrorism
  • Very low casualty ratio
  • Prepare for Defense
  • A small standing army with an early warning capability, regular air force and navy
  • An efficient reserve mobilization and transportation system
• Move to Counter-Attack
  • Multi-arm coordination
  • Transferring the battle to enemy's territory quickly
  • Quick attainment of war objectives

Organization

A high-level view divides it into four regional commands, the main branches of service that prepare troops, a General Staff, and various supporting and staff organizations. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces is the senior officer and only lieutenant general, currently Gabi Ashkenazi.