What is the IDF? A brief explainer on the Israel Defense Forces.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, conflict has been ongoing in the Israel-Hamas War.
This is playing out against the backdrop of a decades-long battle over land and sovereignty, an Israeli government in turmoil over judicial reform and increased Israeli military raids within Palestinian territories.
What is the IDF?
The Israel Defense Forces, also known as the IDF, is the national military of Israel. It has three branches: the army, navy and air force. It is a conscripted military service, meaning Israel mandates IDF service for Jewish, Druze and Circassian citizens over the age of 18, with some exceptions.
It was established in 1948, two weeks after Israel became an independent country.
The IDF had 169,500 active troops and was the 28th largest military size in the world by active personnel, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Military Balance 2023. There are also 465,000 reserve personnel who can supplement active military forces if deemed necessary.
More: What is the Israel Defense Forces or IDF? What you need to know about the Israeli Military
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Contributing: Anna Kaufman
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: IDF: What to know about the Israeli Defense Forces.
