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| The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: צבא ההגנה לישראל Tsva Hahagana LeYisrael (help·info), "[Army] Force for the Defense of Israel", often abbreviated with the Hebrew acronym צה"ל Tsahal, alternative English spelling Tzahal), is the name of Israel's military forces, comprising the Israeli Army, Air Force and Sea Corps. |
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 neighbours. 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 the most powerful and modern military forces in the world
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 neighbours. 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 the most powerful and modern military forces in the world
