Israeli Defense Forces

The Israel Defense Forces, also referred to as the IDF, is the name used to describe the entirety of Israel's military forces, including Army, Air Force, and Sea Corps divisions. Formed soon after Israel was established in the wake of World War II, the IDF has defended the country throughout its conflicts with its neighbors in the Middle East, most notably in the Six Day War in which Israel successfully defended itself against combined assault by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.

Fast Facts

1. Formed: May 26, 1948
2. Also known as: Tsva HaHagana LeYisrael (Tsahal), Hebrew for "Defense Military of Israel
3. Preceding agencies: Jewish Brigade in the British Army, Etzel, Lehi
4. Annual budget (1999): $18.7 billion
5. Active troops: 168,000
6. 33rd largest standing army in the world
7. Military service compulsory for Jewish and Druze men and Jewish women over the age of 18
8. Has historically had the support of the United States Department of Defense
9. Equipment is top of the line, from small arms to armored vehicles, and is often of American origin

Key Dates

1. May 14, 1948: Israel is established as a sovereign nation
2. May 26, 1948: Israel Defense Forces are established to protect Israeli citizens and interests
3. March 1949: After Israel wins the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the IDF absorbs the underground organizations Etzel and Lehi
4. 1949-1956: IDF defends Israel in a series of armed conflicts with neighboring hostile countries
5. 1967: IDF successfully defends against a multinational coalition of attackers in the Six Day War

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