Defence & Security

IDF, conscription, intelligence, wars.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Structure, branches, doctrine, and operational history.

The Israel Defense Forces: structure, doctrine, and history

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is Israel's military, established on 26 May 1948, two weeks after independence. It is a unified force with three branches - ground, air, and naval - under a single chief of staff. Israel maintains mandatory military service (conscription) for most Jewish and Druze citizens. The IDF is one of the most battle-experienced militaries in the world and has been involved in every major Israeli conflict since 1948.

8 min16 sources

The Israel Defense Forces: structure, doctrine, and history

Iron Dome

How it works, development history, and operational record.

1 piece

Iron Dome and Layered Missile Defense System

Beyond the Iron Dome lies a sophisticated, multi-layered shield designed to stop everything from short-range mortars to long-range ballistic missiles. This explainer breaks down how this world-leading technology works, its combat track record, and the new laser systems shaping the future of defence.

4 min6 sources

Iron Dome and Layered Missile Defense System

Mossad

Israel's national intelligence agency - mandate, structure, and notable operations.

1 piece

Mossad, Shin Bet, and Aman

Behind the famous headlines, Israel's security relies on three distinct intelligence agencies. This explainer breaks down the roles of Mossad, Shin Bet, and Aman, exploring how foreign spying, domestic security, and military intelligence work together to protect the nation.

5 min6 sources

Conscription

Mandatory military service - who serves, for how long, and who is exempt.

1 piece

IDF Conscription and Reserve Duty

Israel's defense doesn't rely on a massive standing army, but on its own citizens. This article looks at how the country's system of mandatory service and reserve duty works, its history since 1948, and how it transforms ordinary people into a ready defense force.

4 min6 sources

Nuclear Policy

Israel's long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity.

1 piece

Israel's Nuclear Ambiguity

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of its nuclear arsenal. This article looks at the strategic logic behind this policy of total secrecy, how it was negotiated with the United States, and why it remains a powerful deterrent without triggering a regional arms race.

5 min7 sources