Israel Defense Forces' Doctrine

[IAF ThunderPilot]

As part of my IDF & Israel ping list, I am planning, starting from today, to start posting a series of fascinating stories and facts regarding the IDF or Israel, every friday- one topic once a week.

Today I am going to start from the IDF doctrine, since its the basic thing to start from.

I will include Israeli-Arab wars topic, IDF famous missions topic, stories regarding the life of an IDF soldier, topics about Middle East's startegic balance, etc.

Feel free to ask questions about the IDF and Israel- from any kind, and to give suggestions for future topics as the information is for you.

Thank you and enjoy reading,

IAF ThunderPilot

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25/02/2005

IDF: What exactly is it?

Most of you (and probably all of you) heard about the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) not once.

However, what do you really know about it?

To answer the question, you first need to know the IDF doctrine.

IDF Mission:

To defend the existence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state of Israel. To protect the inhabitants of Israel and to combat all forms of terrorism which threaten the daily life.

Ethics:

The IDF Spirit

The Israel Defense Forces are the state of Israel's military force. The IDF is subordinate to the directions of the democratic civilian authorities and the laws of the state. The goal of the IDF is to protect the existence of the State of Israel and her independence, and to thwart all enemy efforts to disrupt the normal way of life in Israel. IDF soldiers are obligated to fight, to dedicate all their strength and even sacrifice their lives in order to protect the State of Israel, her citizens and residents. IDF soldiers will operate according to the IDF values and orders, while adhering to the laws of the state and norms of human dignity, and honoring the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Spirit of the IDF-Definition and Origins

The Spirit of the IDF is the identity card of the IDF values, which should stand as the foundation of all of the activities of every IDF soldier, on regular or reserve duty. The Spirit of the IDF and the guidelines of operation resulting from it are the ethical code of the IDF. The Spirit of the IDF will be applied by the IDF, its soldiers, its officers, its units and corps to shape their mode of action. They will behave, educate and evaluate themselves and others according to the Spirit of the IDF.

The Spirit of the IDF draws on four sources:

* The tradition of the IDF and its military heritage as the Israel Defense Forces. * The tradition of the State of Israel, its democratic principles, laws and institutions. * The tradition of the Jewish People throughout their history. * Universal moral values based on the value and dignity of human life.

Basic Values:

Defense of the State, its Citizens and its Residents - The IDF's goal is to defend the existence of the State of Israel, its independence and the security of the citizens and residents of the state.

Love of the Homeland and Loyalty to the Country - At the core of service in the IDF stand the love of the homeland and the commitment and devotion to the State of Israel-a democratic state that serves as a national home for the Jewish People-its citizens and residents.

Human Dignity - The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position.

The Values:

Tenacity of Purpose in Performing Missions and Drive to Victory - The IDF servicemen and women will fight and conduct themselves with courage in the face of all dangers and obstacles; They will persevere in their missions resolutely and thoughtfully even to the point of endangering their lives.

Responsibility - The IDF serviceman or woman will see themselves as active participants in the defense of the state, its citizens and residents. They will carry out their duties at all times with initiative, involvement and diligence with common sense and within the framework of their authority, while prepared to bear responsibility for their conduct.

Credibility - The IDF servicemen and women shall present things objectively, completely and precisely, in planning, performing and reporting. They will act in such a manner that their peers and commanders can rely upon them in performing their tasks.

Personal Example - The IDF servicemen and women will comport themselves as required of them, and will demand of themselves as they demand of others, out of recognition of their ability and responsibility within the military and without to serve as a deserving role model.

Human Life - The IDF servicemen and women will act in a judicious and safe manner in all they do, out of recognition of the supreme value of human life. During combat they will endanger themselves and their comrades only to the extent required to carry out their mission.

Purity of Arms - The IDF servicemen and women will use their weapons and force only for the purpose of their mission, only to the necessary extent and will maintain their humanity even during combat. IDF soldiers will not use their weapons and force to harm human beings who are not combatants or prisoners of war, and will do all in their power to avoid causing harm to their lives, bodies, dignity and property.

Professionalism - The IDF servicemen and women will acquire the professional knowledge and skills required to perform their tasks, and will implement them while striving continuously to perfect their personal and collective achievements.

Discipline - The IDF servicemen and women will strive to the best of their ability to fully and successfully complete all that is required of them according to orders and their spirit. IDF soldiers will be meticulous in giving only lawful orders, and shall refrain from obeying blatantly illegal orders.

Comradeship - The IDF servicemen and women will act out of fraternity and devotion to their comrades, and will always go to their assistance when they need their help or depend on them, despite any danger or difficulty, even to the point of risking their lives.

Sense of Mission - The IDF soldiers view their service in the IDF as a mission; They will be ready to give their all in order to defend the state, its citizens and residents. This is due to the fact that they are representatives of the IDF who act on the basis and in the framework of the authority given to them in accordance with IDF orders.

Main Doctrine:

* Israel cannot afford to lose a single war. * Defensive on the strategic level, no territorial ambitions. * Desire to avoid war by political means and a credible deterrent posture. * Preventing escalation. * Determine the outcome of war quickly and decisively. * Combating terrorism. * Very low casualty ratio.

The Operational Level:

Defensive Strategy - Offensive Tactics.

Prepare for Defense:

* A small standing army with an early warning capability, regular air force and navy. * An efficient reserve mobilization and transportation system.

Move to Counter-Attack:

* Multi-arm coordination. * Transferring the battle to enemy's territory quickly. * Quick attainment of war objectives.

Capabilities:

* Intelligence. * High capability to destroy mobile targets. * Long­range capabilities. * Anti­missile defense. * All­weather and low­visibility capabilities. * Advanced training systems.

Main Areas of Activity:

* Continuous high state of readiness for war. * Anti­terrorist warfare. * Combating terrorism by Palestinian rejectionist groups. * Building the armed forces for the future battlefield.

[CaptSkip]

Cool! Love to learn.

[GunRunner]

Do Arab Israeli citizens also have to serve?

[IAF ThunderPilot]

No, but they may valuntere. Some of them do.

However, Druzs and Beduins do have to serve.

[hoagy62]

Here's a question: Do ALL IAF soldiers receive training in Krav Maga?

[IAF ThunderPilot]

Most of IDF COMBAT soldiers recieve training in Krav Maga.
The IAF is the aerial arm of the IDF, and therefore the rules apply there as well.

IDF's elite forces soldiers study advanced Krav Maga as well as other forms of "street fighting".

[SaltyJoe]

This is for the most kosher-est of warrior babes the world has seen. God bless the IDF. The world needs more of you!

http://www.azexarms.com/images/gallery/IDFbabes.jpg

To the hardcore defenders in the photo, thanks for protecting the Promise Land.

SaltyJoe
p.s. call me :-)

[Salem]

IDF 'Bump!'

If you'd like to be on or off this
Christian Supporters of Israel ping list,
please FR mail me. ~
    
MikeFromFR ~
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had
spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:45)
Letter To The President In Support Of Israel ~
'Final Solution,' Phase 2 ~
Warnings ~

[SevenofNine]

Remember there was Kirk Douglas movie talking about that long time ago

Sometime TCM show that movie one thing for sure John Wayne play General who gave authroize of Kirk Douglas go into Israel and help training then Israeli miltia

[Ciexyz]

I well remember those exciting days of the 1967 war. The victories were so astonishing and fast and complete, that it seemed that the Lord himself had a hand in directing the outcome.

He who watches over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

[austinmark]

hoagy62;
Just a little info:

Yes, IDF soldiers do learn what is called "combat" Krav Maga or "Hisardut" as opposed to a "civilian" version.
Both concentrate on H2H (hand to hand) with SOME basic weapons ( think: bat, club, ax handle/stick) and knife defense as well as some stress drill's. For those who want more training, it it available.
The "combat" version is all that PLUS advance weapons Defense.

I understand that some IDF Special Forces learn something called "LOTAR" (which is the modern version of "KAPAP") and is used by "YAMAM" (Israel's most elite Counter Terrorist Unit).

[bill1952]

What are paras?

I've always felt that the IDF is either the most kickass organization around, or the structure of Arab culture/governments prevents them from being able to engage the IDF in a meaningful fashion.

I had known a few Israeli fighter pilots and that's where I first learned the importance of Masada, and there was also a made for TV movie "Masada" some time back.

I understand that the ramp that the Romans built is still there.

[IAF ThunderPilot]

My graduation ceremony of high school was at Massada.
We arrived to the site at midnight, watched the light-and-sound show, then climbed all the way to Massada itself and reached the top when the sun rose out of the Dead Sea.
It was amazing.

[IAF ThunderPilot]

Post #32.

[FlashBack]

Excellent Post IAF...I look forward to the next one.

[Sabramerican]

Honor and rememberance should also go to Christian Zionist Orde Wingate who helped to mold the Palmach.

[investigateworld]

Thanks, keep the articles coming.

[dervish]

Great series. Thank you.

The IDF was modelled on the Swiss Army - a small country whose entire male population within an age range could be mobilized. In Switzerland, all adult males are legally required to own a firearm which is government issued upon majority age.

"In the postwar years, until 1956, the Arab states maintained the military pressure by supporting terrorist and guerrilla infiltration across the borders. The continual pressure on the Army, together with the country's very limited financial resources and population, led to the creation of a small standing army backed by a very large reserve force. The principle was Swiss, with major modifications."

http://www1.idf.il/DOVER/site/mainpage.asp?sl=EN&id=5&from=history&docid=15910&Pos=14&bScope=false

[TheBlueMax]

Shalom!
Please add me to the list, IAF. I'm always interested in current news and views from one of my favorite places!

I'd love to get back there someday!

TheBlueMax