The Israel Defense Force

The Israel Defense Force

The Israel Defense Force (IDF), founded in 1948, is the military force of the State of Israel. It exists to defend the Jewish state, protect Israel’s citizens, and thwart the evil plans of enemies who attempt to disrupt normalcy and safety within Israel. Thus far, the IDF has successfully defended Israel from destruction in six major wars.

Every Israeli citizen is required to serve in the IDF at the age of 18, women for two years and men for three. After completing this required service, each soldier is assigned to a reserve unit and may serve until they are 51.

The values of the IDF, instilled in each solider during every level of training, are the preservation of the State of Israel and the protection of human life. Contrary to the way the IDF is often falsely portrayed in the media, the IDF upholds the dignity and worth of every human in a conflict—even if it increases the risk to IDF soldiers.

For example, in the conflict with Gaza in 2014 (and the most recent May 2021 conflict), which began due to Hamas’s incessant rocket fire at Israeli civilians, the IDF aimed to destroy Hamas’s terror tunnel network. But the IDF took extraordinary efforts to protect Gazan civilians and warn them of impending strikes– including dropping leaflets in Arabic, calling Gazans, sending texts, and other efforts. Who has ever heard of a military warning their enemy when they were about to strike?

As Americans, we are indebted to the IDF for their selfless service in combating the same enemies which would seek to do Americans harm.