The army wavered. Israeli Armed Forces. Israeli Air Force

Israel Defense Forces(Hebrew צבא הגנה לישראל ‏‎ - Tswa khana l'israel, abbreviated ‏צה"ל ‏‎ - Tsahal) - the armed forces of the State of Israel and the main body of its security. current boss General Staff IDF - Lieutenant General Gadi Eizenkot.

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The IDF was founded two weeks after the founding of the state, during the War of Independence. The interim government led by David Ben-Gurion decided to create an army, and on May 26, 1948, David Ben-Gurion signed the “Decree on the Israel Defense Forces” (Heb. ‏ פקודת צבא הגנה לישראל ‏‎).

The main goal of the reform of military doctrine will be to prevent the smuggling of weapons and the prevention of terrorism. The army is preparing new units that will have to protect the country from threats arising from the new strategic situation in the Middle East. The new concept includes pinpoint strikes like those seen in Lately in Syria. The IDF called the new concept "battle between wars". The term was coined to describe a dynamic political and military campaign. Such a campaign is divided into three components:

• Prevention
• Disorganization
• containment

The development of new standards and the distribution of roles according to new concept.

Conscription service

The Military Service Law establishes the following types of compulsory military service in the Israel Defense Forces:

• emergency service
• reserve service.

Call Criteria

By law, all Israeli citizens, including those with dual citizenship and those residing in another country, as well as all those permanently residing in the territory of the state, upon reaching the age of 18, are subject to conscription in the IDF. The term of military service is 36 months - 3 years (32 months for combat units), for women - 24 months (2 years). The law applies to Jews (and non-Jewish citizens of the state), Druze and Circassians. Bedouins, Christians and Muslims may volunteer to serve in the army.

Exemptions from conscription

Exempted from conscription:

Women in the army

The difference from many other armies is that the majority of the country's women serve in the Israel Defense Forces (women in Israel are liable for military service). However, about a third of women receive a deferral or complete release from the army (pregnancy, religious reasons). At the end of military service, most women are exempted from annual military dues.

In 2001, the Office of the Adviser for Women in the Armed Forces was established at the General Staff, dealing with issues of equal opportunities in the IDF. The department was headed by General Suzi Yogev.

Reserve Service

After the end of regular service, all private and officers may be called up annually for reservist duties for up to 45 days.

The General Staff consists of 6 directorates: Operational, Planning Directorate, Personnel Directorate, Intelligence Directorate, Global Strategy Directorate, Computer Service Directorate and Directorate of Technology and Logistics.

Composition of the army

Approximate composition regular army for 2015:

Ground troops

Ground forces - consist of tank, infantry (including airborne), artillery, engineering, reconnaissance (field reconnaissance-combat assembly troops) troops, signal troops. It has 133 thousand conscripts and long-term service (as well as 380 thousand reservists):

• Infantry (regular combat troops)
  • 35th "Brigade Tsankhanim" - an elite highly mobile paratrooper brigade ("red berets"); includes 3 air assault mobile battalions (“Peten”, “Tsefa”, “Efa”), reconnaissance “Saraf” (Hebrew שרף ‏‎, literally: “Earth Viper”), including a special forces company “Sayeret Tsankhanim” , as well as an engineering, anti-tank company and a communications company; included in the 98th special reserve division "Uzvat" a-Esh;
  • 89th "Brigade special purpose Commando "- a consolidated brigade that brought together special IDF units:" Maglan "(212th battalion of sabotage special forces, armed with homing missiles)," Duvdevan "(217th anti-terrorist battalion of the Mistaaravim system ("pseudo-Arabs"), "Egoz" (621st special counter-guerrilla battalion, focused on operations in Syria and Lebanon), "Rimon" (845th special counter-guerrilla battalion, focused on operations in the Sinai and Gaza, reserve battalion); part of the 98th special reserve division "Uzvat a -Ash"
  • 1st "Golani Brigade" - motorized infantry brigade ("brown berets"); includes 3 infantry battalions, the Gdud Siyur reconnaissance battalion, which includes the Sayeret Golani special forces company, as well as a communications company, engineering and anti-tank companies; the brigade is fully equipped with the world's strongest heavy armored personnel carrier Namer; part of the 36th regular armored division "Gaash". The brigade, apparently, is the only brigade with full-time armored personnel carriers. The rest of the motorized infantry brigades receive armored personnel carriers of those models that best suit the tasks and conditions of the operation.
  • 84th Givati ​​Brigade - regular infantry separate brigade("lilac berets"); includes 3 infantry battalions ("Shaked", "Tsabar", "Rotem"), reconnaissance battalion "Samson Foxes", including the Sayeret Givati ​​special forces company, as well as a communications company, engineering and anti-tank companies; usually the brigade is equipped with heavy Akhzarit armored personnel carriers, which is part of the 162nd regular armored division.
  • 933rd "Nakhal Brigade" - a regular infantry brigade ("light green berets"); includes 3 infantry battalions (“Bazelet”, “Shakham” and “Granit”), the reconnaissance battalion “Topaz”, which includes the Sayret Nahal special forces company, as well as a communications company, an engineering and anti-tank company; part of the 162nd regular armored division "Ha-Plada"
  • 900th "Brigade Kfir" - an infantry brigade ("spotted berets"), conducting constant anti-terrorist activities in Judea and Samaria. Includes 6 infantry target battalions: Shimshon Battalion, Nakhshon Battalion, Haruv Battalion, Lavi Battalion, Duhifat Battalion, Netzah Yehuda Battalion; part of the 340th reserve light (mechanized) division "Idan";
  • 828th “Bislamakh Brigade” - training brigade - school of junior commanders BISLAMAH and school of infantry specialists BISLAH, includes 828 training regiment, 17 Arayot a-Golan, 450 Arie a-meufef and 906 Shualei khanegev » training battalions.
  • "BAAD-1 Brigade" - cadets of the officer infantry school, training battalions "Dekel", "Hadas" and "Gefen".
  • Mar "hom - Special Training Center (parachute, anti-terrorist, cynological, sniper). Includes:
    • Okets, Unit 7142 (combat cynologists);
    • Skydiving school in Tel Nof
    • Laklats - Center for the training of sabotage and tactical snipers in Mitkan Adam
    • Lothar - Center for Anti-Terrorist Training
    • Atasa - Air Supply Center;
  • Specialized battalions (assigned to territorial brigades or divisions):
    • 33rd "Battalion  Caracal" (light infantry battalion, for both sexes)
    • "Battalion Bardelas" (light infantry battalion for both sexes)
    • "Battalion Arayot a-Yarden" (light infantry battalion for both sexes)
    • “Battalion Herev” (Druze battalion; status is not defined, there is a plan to disband it)
  • Special forces units:
    • "Sayeret Matkal" - "Connection 101", Unit 269 (Special Forces of the General Staff, Special Command of Deep Operations);
    • "Egoz", Unit621 (a unit for counter-guerrilla operations of the Northern Military District, belongs to the 89th Special Forces Brigade as part of the airborne division)
    • "Rimon" (unit for the counter-guerrilla war of the Southern Military District; refers to the 89th Special Forces Brigade as part of the airborne division)
    • "Duvdevan", Unit 217 (anti-terrorist battalion; "pseudo-Arabs", refers to the 89th Special Forces Brigade as part of the airborne division)
    • "Maglan" (sabotage special forces, refers to the 89th Special Forces Brigade as part of the airborne division)
      • 7298 "YANMaM" unit
    • "Shaldag", unit 5101 (target designators for the Air Force; formally refers to the Air Force)
    • "Unit 669" (rescuers of ejected pilots or wounded soldiers from behind enemy lines; formally refers to the Air Force).
    • "Yekidat ha-Niyud" - special purpose transport battalion (use of various Vehicle in any weather, at any time of the day, in any location)
    • Psagot Battalion, Unit 5114. Special communications and electronic countermeasures unit. Engaged in providing communications with the rest of the special forces during operations, suppressing enemy communication systems and target detection. Operates in the zone of operation, has training at the level of other special forces.
    • TIBAM division - "Be Ezrat Makhshev Quiet" - computer planning. A special unit of "hackers" acting in the interests of other special units. Hacking enemy computer systems, protecting your own, 3D modeling of the object of the operation, etc. Operates in the operation zone, has appropriate combat training.
    • "Unit 8200". The task is electronic warfare. It is also engaged in warfare in cyberspace, collection, interception and decoding of electronic and computer information and other operations. It also has groups of power capture and neutralization of enemy electronic and computer intelligence objects, as well as covert connection to them. . Integral part"Unit 8200" is an "Electronic Intelligence Base" located in the Negev.
    • BAAD - 15, Special School for Specialists in Electronic, Radio Engineering and Computer Intelligence, Decoding, Translation and Analysis of Information in Electronic and Cyber ​​Spaces.
• Armored regular troops("black berets")
  • 401st Tank Brigade "Ikvot-a-Barzel", part of the 162nd regular armored division "Ha-Plada"; The brigade is armed with Merkava-4 tanks (battalions 9 "Eshet", 46 "Shelat", 52 "Ha-Bokim").
  • 188th tank brigade "Barak", part of the 36th regular strike armored division "Gaash"; The brigade is armed with Merkava-3 tanks (battalions 53 Sufa, 71 Reshef, 74 Saar).
  • 7th tank brigade "Saar mi-Golan", part of the 36th regular strike armored division "Gaash"; the brigade is completing the re-equipment of the Merkava-4 tanks with battalions 75 "Romakh", 77 "Oz", 82 "Gaash").
  • 460th Bnei Or Tank Brigade (training brigade) - BISLASH tank school
• Artillery regular troops("turquoise berets")
  • 282nd brigade "Uzbat Golan" (‏עוצבת גולן‏‎‎‎‎), subordinate to the SVO, assigned to the 36th regular armored division "Gaash"; there are four regular divisions in the formation: "Namer", "Keren" (both self-propelled guns M109), 334 "Raam" (MLRS) and "Meitar" (artillery special forces; missile tanks "Pere"), two reserve divisions: "Magen" and " Shfifon "(both self-propelled guns M109), a battalion of artillery reconnaissance, advanced gunners and artillery observers YAHMAM.
  • 215th brigade "Uzbat Amud ha-Esh" (‏ ‏עוצבת עמוד האש‏ ‏‎‎‎‎), subordinate to the Central Military District, assigned to the 162nd regular armored division "Ha-Plada"; consists of three regular divisions: "Dragon" and "Reshef" (both self-propelled guns M109) and "Moran" (artillery special forces; missile tanks "Pere"), and several reserve divisions (all self-propelled guns M109), a battalion of artillery reconnaissance, advanced gunners and artillery YAHMAM observers
  • 214th Cala David Brigade, regular brigade guided weapons of the artillery troops, directly subordinate to the General Staff; the main armament is the Tamuz ATGM, as well as light UAVs of the Skylark-1 battalion level - the Rokhev Shamaim battalion, and heavy UAVs of the Hermes-450 divisional level - the Zik Yarok battalion.
  • 301 regular MLRS divisions 219 MLRS reserve brigade (armed with Romakh high-precision missiles)
  • artillery training brigade - artillery school "BISLAT" (Shivta)
• Military engineering regular troops("silver berets")
  • 601st engineer battalion "Asaf" (assigned to the 401st tank brigade)
  • 603rd Engineer Battalion "Lahav" (assigned to 7th Tank Brigade)
  • 605th engineer battalion "Mahats" (assigned to the 188th tank brigade). 3 of these regular battalions (as well as 8 similar reservist battalions) each have 3 companies equipped with Puma heavy assault vehicles and 1 company each equipped with Cat D9 armored bulldozers.
  • School of Engineering Troops BAHALATS
  • "Yakhalom" (special forces of engineering troops) - includes special units (Yachsap ("PS group"), Samoor, Midron mushlag, Hevzek), engaged in the disposal of explosive devices, search and destruction underground structures, penetration into buildings and other closed structures, operations using engineering robots.
    • "Sayeret Yael" (elite special forces, formally refers to " Yahalom") - engaged in special engineering operations at sea.
• Field reconnaissance troops - troops of readiness and combat collection("Green Berets")
  • 869 Shahaf Battalion - "Unit 869", Modiin Sade Unit (Field Reconnaissance Special Forces), Area of ​​Responsibility Lebanon
  • 595 battalion "Ait" - area of ​​responsibility Syria
  • 636 Battalion "Nitzan" - area of ​​responsibility Judea, Samaria, Jordan Valley, Northern Jordan
  • 727 battalion "Eytam" - area of ​​responsibility South Jordan and East Sinai
  • 414 battalion "Nesher" - area of ​​responsibility Gaza Strip and Western Sinai
  • BISLAK, School of field reconnaissance - combat training troops.

• Signal Corps
  • "Amirim" - a special communications battalion subordinate to the General Staff
  • "Itanim" - a special communications battalion subordinate to the General Staff
  • "Tzameret" - a special communications battalion subordinate to the General Staff
  • 373 "Raam" - communications battalion of the Southern District
  • 371 "Eyalim" - communications battalion of the Northern District
  • 372 "Segev" - communications battalion of the Central District

• Logistics Directorate - Civil Defense Troops (Regular Troops)
  • 76th battalion "Yanshuf" (intended for conducting military operations when the enemy uses biological and chemical weapons; for serving by persons of both sexes
  • 489th search and rescue battalion "Kedem" (also has additional training for conducting military operations when the enemy uses biological and chemical weapons)
  • Search and rescue battalion "Shahar"
  • Search and rescue battalion "Tavor"
  • Search and Rescue Battalion "Ram"
  • Bahad 16 - search and rescue service school, the training base of the Zikim Logistics Command is also subordinate to the school, where, among other things, the basic military training of the Command's recruits takes place

Naval Forces

Navy - 13 thousand conscripts and extra-conscripts (as well as 23 thousand reservists):

• 3 divisions (914, 915, 916) of Dabur, Superdvora, Shaldag type patrol boats
• 3 Flotilla of missile ships (corvettes and boats)
• 7 Submarine flotilla
• 13 Flotilla ("Shayetet 13") - naval commandos  (special command of deep operations).
• Maritime intelligence
• radar service
• Yaltam (Submarine Operations Unit) - mining / demining, repair of ships and communications - Combat Divers Unit
• Snapir ("Lasta") - Coast Guard Unit

Air Force

Air Force - 52,000 conscripts and extra-conscripts (as well as 28,000 reservists):

US military aid

In 1968, the US government authorized the sale to Israel of 48 A-4 Skyhawks and 50 F-4 Phantoms.

In November 1971, the United States and Israel entered into an agreement under which Israel was given the right to produce under license certain types of American weapons, ammunition, military equipment and military equipment.

On November 30, 1981, the United States and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation.

Since 1987, the United States has been annually providing military assistance to Israel under the FMF program, while, unlike all other states receiving military assistance from the United States under this program, Israel has the right to spend 25% of the amount on its own military programs. In the period 1998-2007. under the FMF program, the United States transferred to Israel 2.4 billion dollars a year; in 2008, a new agreement was signed, according to which the United States assumed obligations in 2008-2017. provide military assistance under the FMF program in the amount of $30 billion (an average of $3 billion a year; in fact, in 2008-2013, the amount of assistance varied between $2.9-3.1 billion a year); in 2013, an additional agreement was signed, according to which the United States assumed an obligation in 2018-2027. provide Israel with military assistance under the FMF program in the amount of $40 billion. It should be borne in mind that the FMF program is not the only US program to provide military assistance to Israel.

In 1990, Israel signed an agreement with the United States on participation in the "storage of military reserves for US allies" program, according to which six warehouses for storing weapons, armored vehicles and ammunition were equipped on the territory of the country. Initially, the cost of weapons in warehouses was 100 million US dollars, in 1991, after the war in the Persian Gulf, this amount was increased to 300 million dollars, then to 400 million dollars, and in December 2009 - up to 800 million dollars. Although the weapons do not belong to Israel, under the agreement, the IDF can access the warehouses and use the stored weapons "with US permission" or "in an emergency".

In preparation for the Gulf War (1991) and the creation of a coalition against S. Hussein with the participation of Arab countries (and, accordingly, without Israel), the United States guaranteed the destruction of the Iraqi Scuds during the first days of the operation and protection from shelling by Iraq. For this purpose, 7 batteries of the Patriot air defense system were deployed on the territory of Israel, which managed to intercept 85% of the missiles launched at Israel (out of 40 missiles fired, 34 were intercepted).

In 1995, as part of the “special supply program”, the United States was “ready to donate” to Israel 14 Cobra combat helicopters and 30,000 M-16 assault rifles in addition to the “previously delivered” two batteries of the Patriot air defense system, 75 F-15 fighters and F-16, 450 TOW ATGM launchers, 336 trucks and tractors, 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, a batch of Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 650 AH-64 anti-tank helicopter missiles.

In 2000, the United States provided $200 million to build and equip two training bases designed to train reservists [ ] .

In 2008, electronic equipment was received from the USA (an AN-TRY-2 centimeter range radar and a JTAGS mobile data receiving terminal)

additional information

Uniform

The uniform of the Israel Defense Forces is divided into:

• ceremonial-everyday uniform ( made aleph) - olive color for soldiers and officers of military service of the ground forces and beige color for soldiers and officers of military service of the Air Force and Navy
• field form ( made bet) - olive color for all branches of the military (the air force also uses overalls of various shades of blue)
• dress uniform ( madeey eruim / Madej Keva) - for ensigns and long-term officers - a light green shirt and sea-green trousers / skirt for the ground forces, a blue shirt and blue trousers / skirt for the Air Force, a white shirt and black trousers / skirt for the Navy
• representative form ( madej srad) - for high-ranking officers performing representative functions abroad:
  • summer: in addition to madei eruim- gray tunic for ground forces, of blue color for the Air Force, white for the Navy
  • in winter: in addition to madei eruim- a sea-green tunic / coat for the ground forces, gray-blue for the air force, dark blue for the navy
• dress uniform for special occasions ( madej gala) - for diplomatic receptions, high-level ceremonial events held both in Israel and abroad:
  • in winter: gray-blue suit (for all branches of service)
  • summer: white suit with white shirt and black tie (for all military branches)

Berets

The main headgear in the Israeli army with a full dress uniform is a beret. The color of the beret differs depending on the type of troops, and in the ground forces, the colors of the beret additionally differ according to the type of troops and belonging to certain infantry brigades. In front of the beret, to the left of the center, there is a cockade, indicating the type of troops. The beret color distribution is as follows:

Refuseniks

Refuseniks are called young people who do not want to serve in the army for one reason or another, or military personnel who refuse to follow the orders of the command. The subject of refuseniks is the subject of heated debate in Israeli society and the press. Refuseniks in Israel represent very different social and political groups. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the reasons why some conscripts refuse to serve in the IDF. In 2009, more than 80 Israeli students announced their refusal to serve in the Israeli army in protest against the policies of the Israeli government regarding the Gaza Strip and the West Bank of the Jordan River.

According to Israeli law, refusal to serve in the Tsakhal is punishable by imprisonment. According to some sources, since 2000, about two hundred refuseniks have been prosecuted. Some Israeli refuseniks apply to foreign countries for political refugee status.

IDF commanders believe that "refusalism" jeopardizes Israel's security. According to the Chief Military Prosecutor Menahem Finkelstein, "There is no and cannot be a moral justification for refusing to serve in the army and perform military duty for political reasons."

see also

• Insignia of the defense Israel (English) Russian
• Marva (English)

Notes

1. Observations: This is no Altalena, By Yated Ne’eman Staff and Moshe Arens
2. Etzel and Lehi in the first months after the creation of the IDF, Yitzhak Streshinsky, 06/04/2008
3. B. Tenenbaum The famous Arab-Israeli war 1967 
4. IDF:  reductions for the sake of equipment (indefinite) . Date of treatment July 12, 2013. Archived from the original on August 30, 2013.
5. New concept. IDF prepares for "battles" between wars (indefinite) . Date of treatment August 14, 2013. Archived from the original on August 30, 2013.
6. דבר ראש מנהל האוכלוסיות
7. צה"ל אנשים ברשת - Website Management Personnel Army Defence Israel  (Hebrew)
8. עולים על מדים - מידע לעולה החדש (Hebrew)

Introduction

Successful raids from Israel into Uganda (Operation Entebbe to free the passengers of the Air France aircraft taken hostage on July 4, 1976) and Iraq (bombing of a nuclear reactor on June 7, 1981) once again showed the importance of Israel as an operational base , allowing the Air Force stationed here to effectively control vast areas of the Middle East and East Africa.

Unusually high - compared to the size of the country and population - Israel's military potential is the result of the need to counter the permanent military threat from the Arab countries. The feeling that the armed forces of the Jewish state are preserving the ancient tradition of Jewish warriors - Yehoshua bin Nun, King David, the Maccabees, the defenders of Masada and the fighters of Bar Kokhba - and the awareness of the inadmissibility of repeating the tragic experience of the centuries-old galut, when the Jewish people were defenseless in the face of their enemies, contribute to educating an Israeli soldier of high motivation and awareness of historical responsibility to the Jewish people and its state.

Among other factors of the high combat capability of the Israeli army are an effective military infrastructure, technological capabilities that no other country in the world commensurate with Israel has, and a wealth of combat experience. At the same time, the insignificance of the territory and limited human resources, the concentration of the population in a limited number of urban centers, long borders and the lack of strategic raw materials make Israel militarily vulnerable.

Organization of the Israel Defense Forces

Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General M. Levy (center) with a group of officers. 1985. Photo by N. Harnik. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon. 1985. Photo by N. Harnik. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Israel Defense Forces soldiers return home after an operation against terrorists based in Lebanon. 1993 Photo by A. Ohayon. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Prime Minister E. Barak, in the past - Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, bypasses the soldiers; behind him - the commander of the ground forces, Major General M. Sukenik. 2000 Photo by A. Ohayon. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Israeli troops in the Jerusalem area of ​​Gilo, which was shelled from the neighboring Arab village of Beit Jala. 2000. Photo by M. Milner. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Prime Minister I. Shamir with a group of officers at one of the training bases of the Israel Defense Forces. 1987. Photo by M. Ayalon. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Preparing for the flight of the F-16 fighter aircraft. 1991 Photo by Ts. Israel. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Defense Minister M. Ahrens with a team of technicians serving F-16 fighter aircraft. 1991 Photo by Ts. Israel. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Demonstration flight of Israeli Air Force aircraft at a military parade dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel. 1998. Photo by M. Milner. State Press Bureau. Israel.

Recruitment

According to the Law on Conscription of 1986, active service, and upon completion of it, annual military training (miluim) are mandatory. Boys serve 3 years and girls serve 2 years. A deferment from conscription can be granted to especially successful students of higher educational institutions (as part of the so-called academic reserve, atudaʹakaʹmait).

The distribution of conscripts by branch of service depends on their physical condition, the indicator of which is the medical profile .

Repatriates may also be granted a deferment or reduction in service depending on age and marital status at the time of arrival in the country (girls who repatriated over the age of 17 are not subject to conscription; young people who arrived in the country over the age of 24 are not called up for emergency service).

After completing their mandatory service, each soldier is assigned to a reserve unit. Men under the age of 51 serve no more than 39 days a year; this period may be extended in extraordinary circumstances. Recently, there has been a policy aimed at facilitating the service of reservists: reservists who served in combat units can retire at the age of 45.

At the end of military service, persons of interest to the Tzahal may remain in the army on a contract basis. The main command and administrative personnel of the Tsahal are recruited from the re-enlisted. Graduates of officer and flight courses, as well as special military-technical schools, are required to serve a certain (usually three-year) term under the contract.

The conscription of women is a specific feature of the Israel Defense Forces, allowing the release of more men for military service and thus, to a certain extent, compensate for the numerical superiority of the armies of the Arab countries hostile to Israel. Women are employed in communications, maintenance of electronic equipment, assembling parachutes, in instructor, clerical and administrative positions, etc. Women serve in all branches of the military and many (mostly on long-term service) wear officer ranks and occupy positions of responsibility.

Compulsory military service applies to Jewish and Druze citizens of Israel; citizens of the Muslim and Christian faiths (Arabs and Bedouins) can enter the military service as volunteers. The voluntary service of the Bedouins is especially encouraged, whose tracking skills are used to protect the borders of the state and military installations. The number of Druze in active and extended service is very large compared to the size of the Druze community as a whole.

Yeshiva students who have fully devoted themselves to religious studies, and girls from religious families (optional) are exempted from military service (or, like new repatriates, serve a shorter period than usual).

Military ranks in the Israel Defense Forces

Soldier: turai - private; turai rishon (tarash) - corporal; rav-turai (rabbat) - senior corporal; Rav Turai Rishon - junior sergeant; samal - sergeant; samal rishon - senior sergeant; rav-samal - foreman; rav-samal rishon (rasar) - ensign.

Officers: memale-maqom katsin (mamak) - sub-lieutenant; segen-mishne (sagam) - junior lieutenant; segen - lieutenant; seren - captain; rav-seren (resen) - major; sgan-aluf (saal) - lieutenant colonel; aluf-mishne (alam) - colonel; tat-aluf (taal) - brigadier general; aluf - major general; rav-aluf - lieutenant general (general of the army).

The rank of Rav Aluf is only the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

Army management

The Israel Defense Forces is subordinate to the Israeli government, represented by the Minister of Defense. The Ministry of Defense is responsible for long-term defense policy and strategic planning, determined by a special ministerial committee on defense affairs, and is in charge of the production and procurement of weapons. The Ministry has the largest departmental budget in the country.

The operational leadership of the armed forces is in the hands of the General Staff (ha-mate ha-klali), headed by the Chief of the General Staff (rosh ha-mate ha-klali, abbreviated ramatkalʹ), appointed by the Minister of Defense in agreement with the Cabinet for three years (with the possibility renewal for a fourth year).

The General Staff consists of six main directorates:

• Main Operational Directorate;
• Main Intelligence Directorate;
• the Main Directorate of Personnel, responsible for the training of personnel, planning and implementation of mobilization;
• Main Directorate of Technology and Supply;
• Main Directorate of Research and Development of Armaments,
• General Directorate of Planning.

The structure of the General Staff of the Tsakhal also includes the Department of Combat Training and Special Operations. The rabbinate of the Israel Defense Forces provides for the religious needs of soldiers and officers. Shabbat violation is forbidden in the Israeli army and the laws of kashrut are observed. In operational terms, the armed forces are subdivided into three territorial districts (Northern, Central and Southern), and according to the types of troops - into land, air and naval forces.

National Army

The Israeli army has a relatively small number of regular soldiers and consists mainly of conscripts and reserves (the number of regular soldiers is relatively large in the Air Force and Navy). For this reason, the Israeli armed forces, unlike most other armies, do not form a closed professional corporation, but in the full sense of the word are a national army.

The consequence of this is the interest of the Israel Defense Forces in raising the professional and general educational level of the country's population. The mobilized receive in army technical schools the knowledge and skills necessary in modern military affairs; special educational programs aimed at expanding and deepening the knowledge of soldiers in the field of Jewish history, geography, archeology of Israel, etc.; the army makes sure that new immigrants and recruits, whose formal education has not been completed, better master the skills of reading and writing; the army sends specially trained female instructors to development cities to eliminate educational disparities.

There are a number of special service programs in Tsahal, including:

• Yeshivat-hesder - a special variant of military service, in which the service is combined with studies in a yeshiva. This service is intended for students of yeshivot secondary schools (yeshivot tihniyot), Tzahal recruits. The term of such service is 4 years, including 16 months of military service, and the rest of the time is studying in a yeshiva. In August 2005, the number of soldiers and officers serving in Tsakhal under this program reached six thousand people, 88% of them in combat units.
• Nahal - special regular units in which military service is combined with agricultural work in new settlements. The strongholds of Nahal are located along the borders and in kibbutzim; when the settlement created by Nahal is economically strong enough, the army turns it over to the civil authorities. At the end of their service, the soldiers of Nahal can remain in its composition and continue to live in the settlement they founded. The service life for women is 23 months, for men - 40 months. The fighters of the Nahal units founded dozens of new settlements in the peripheral regions of the country.
• Public pre-army service (shnat sherut - literally “year of service”) - a deferment from military service for up to one year for boys and girls who volunteer to work as instructors in one of the youth movements or engage in other recognized socially useful activities.
• pre-war training courses(mechinot kdam tzvayot) - deferment from military service for up to one year as part of studying at secular or religious preparatory courses.

The Israel Defense Forces operates hundreds of Gadna clubs (where noar - youth battalions), in which young people of pre-conscription age (mostly who have not completed formal education) undergo general education and military training. Many members of the organization take special courses for the preliminary training of pilots, sailors, paratroopers, etc.

The number and weapons of the Israel Defense Forces

Information of a defensive nature in Israel is not subject to publication; thus, the data given below are based mainly on the estimates of authoritative foreign sources, as well as Israeli researchers.

The number of Israeli armed forces with full mobilization (not counting the territorial defense units, civil defense units, border and coast guards) is estimated at 631 thousand people; about 186 thousand people are in active service (see table 1).

Table 1. The number of soldiers and officers of the military service of the Israel Defense Forces (in thousands of people)

A comparison of the number of soldiers and conscripts shows that the Egyptian army (450 thousand people) is 2.4 times larger than the Israeli one, and the Syrian army (289 thousand people) is 1.5 times larger. The superiority is partially corrected by the fact that the number of reservists in the Israeli army (445 thousand) exceeds the number of reservists in the Egyptian (254 thousand) and Syrian (132 thousand) armies combined. The troops of Jordan (101 thousand soldiers and officers of military service) and Lebanon (61 thousand) are inferior in size to the Israel Defense Forces.

The distribution of the number of soldiers and officers of the Tsahal (including both the forces of the regular army and the reservists) by type of service is presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Distribution of the number of soldiers and officers of the Israel Defense Forces by branches of service, 2002

The Israeli army is capable of mobilizing most of the reserve units in 24 hours, which to a certain extent compensates for Israel's strategic weaknesses - a small territory, a limited size of the regular army and long borders, allowing reinforcements to be delivered to the regular army units holding the front in a matter of hours.

Other important aspects of the Israeli strategic doctrine, designed to solve the problem of a small country surrounded by a numerically superior enemy, are the offensive nature of hostilities, the transfer of hostilities to enemy territory and, if possible, moving them away from the country's borders, the rapid transfer of troops from front to front, the concentration maximum forces in the place of the main threat, the concentrated and coordinated use of the Air Force against the ground forces and rear of the enemy (which, among other things, reduces human losses), the delivery (in favorable political conditions) of preventive strikes, as well as the maximum use of technological achievements of the world and domestic military industry.

According to estimates for 2002 (more recent data not yet published), with full mobilization, Israeli ground forces there are about 521 thousand people (141 thousand military personnel in active service and 380 thousand reservists) - 16 divisions (including 12 armored), as well as 76 brigades.

Tsahal is armed with 3930 (according to other sources - 3700) tanks - more than in the army of any of the countries bordering Israel (Syria - up to 3700, Egypt - about three thousand, Jordan - 970, Lebanon - 280), a significant some of which (about 1400) are Israeli-made Merkava tanks of models I, II, III and IV (after purchasing 300 units of M60A3 tanks in 1979, delivered in 1980-1985, Israel does not buy tanks abroad - update tank fleet is carried out at the expense of the production of "Merkava").

Israel has 8040 (according to other sources - 7710) armored personnel carriers and armored vehicles, mostly American-made - more than in the army of any of the countries bordering Israel (Syria - about 5060, Egypt - 3680, Jordan - 1815, Lebanon - 1235 ). The artillery force has about 1,350 guns, mostly self-propelled: heavy 203 mm howitzers (36 pieces) and long-range 175 mm caliber guns of American production (140 pieces), about 720 155 mm guns made in France according to an Israeli project, as well as a significant number captured Soviet guns of 130 and 122 mm caliber. A large number of mortars are in service, in particular, self-propelled guns of 160 mm caliber.

In service in the military air force ah in 2002 there were about 36 thousand people. During the mobilization, the personnel of the Israeli Air Force reaches approximately 91 thousand people. According to various sources, the Israeli Air Force has up to 800 combat aircraft, including 628 in service and 172 (57 - Skyhawk models and 115 - Kfir models) - in operational storage (that is, they are maintained in combat-ready condition; intended for sale abroad or use in an emergency) - more than in the army of any of the countries bordering Israel (Egypt - 505, Syria - 451, Jordan - 97, Lebanon has no combat aircraft). The number of Israeli Air Force combat vehicles, including missile-equipped helicopters, is detailed in Table 3.

Table 3. The number of Israeli Air Force combat aircraft of various models, 2002

In addition to combat aircraft, the Israeli Air Force has 57 (according to other sources - 79) Boeing 707, C-130H Hercules, Arava and Dorenye Do-28B-1 transport aircraft; 6 tanker transport aircraft; 138 training aircraft; 22 communications aircraft; as well as electronic reconnaissance and patrol aircraft. The country's air force also has 135 AH-64A Apache, AH-1G/E/F/S Cobra and 500MD Defender combat helicopters, as well as transport helicopters of various modifications. In Israel, all specialized means air defense, except for ships, are concentrated in the air defense forces (Hale nun-mem; "nun-mem" - an abbreviation of neged matosim - literally "against aircraft"), which are part of the Air Force.

Air defense is a military branch of the military, a high medical profile is required from recruits. Combat personnel are trained at the Air Defense School (BISNAM-833, formerly located in Herzliya, later transferred to Mashavey Sad), technical personnel - at the Air Force Technical School in Haifa. Maintenance of air defense systems is carried out by the Air Force Systems and Weapons Service Center (Matnam, Merkaz tahzukat neshek u-maarahot), as well as civilian firms.

Missile testing and most air defense firing exercises are conducted at the Missile Testing Unit (YANAT, Yehidat Nisway Ha-Tilim) in Palmachim. Other shootings are carried out at the Shedma training ground (in the south of Israel, in the Mitzpe Ramon region). Air defense missions include:

• Ensuring the air defense of the country. This task is performed by Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and advanced HAWK systems in cooperation with the command and control system and fighter aircraft.
• Ensuring the country's missile defense. A ballistic missile warning against Israel comes from a network of American early warning satellites. The interception is carried out by specialized Hetz-2 anti-missiles, and in case of failure, by Patriot missiles.
• Defense of individual military and civilian facilities (for example, air force bases, a nuclear center in Dimona). Air defense of ground forces. This task is performed by mobile air defense systems, their divisions are armed with Stinger and Chaparel anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as Makhbet missile and artillery systems. Security and ground defense of air force bases.

The first air defense systems (40 mm L-70 anti-aircraft guns) were supplied to Israel by the German government in 1962; in the same year, the first HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems arrived in Israel from the United States. It was Germany and the United States that supported the development of Israel's air defense throughout all subsequent years. As of 2002, Israel had 22 batteries of heavy anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as approximately 70 portable launchers of light anti-aircraft missile systems.

Israeli Navy for a long time remained the least developed branch of the armed forces. However, after unprecedented successes in 1973 (19 enemy ships destroyed without loss from the Israeli side), a period of rapid development began, and at present the Israeli Navy is considered not only one of the most operational in the world, but also the dominant maritime force in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.

About 9,500 people serve in the Israeli navy; during the mobilization of the numerical strength of the Navy, they reach 19,500 people. The Israeli navy (data for 2002) has six submarines (three of the obsolete Gal model, laid down in 1973-74, commissioned in 1976-77) and three of the Dolphin model, laid down in 1994-96, put into operation in 1999-2000), fifteen (according to other sources - twenty) corvettes of the Eilat type and missile boats of the Hetz, Aliya and Reshef types and thirty-three patrol boats.

Several units have been created in Tsakhal and the police, the main task of which is to counter terror. Among them: Yamam - a special unit of the police to combat terror, responsible for anti-terrorist operations in Israel; Saeret Matkal (General Staff Intelligence), responsible for anti-terrorist operations outside the country; Shaetet-13 (13th flotilla, special forces of the Navy, responsible for anti-terrorist operations abroad with the participation of naval forces); Lothar Eilat (Lothar - lohma be-terror / fight against terror /, unit 7707, responsible for anti-terrorist operations in Israel in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe city of Eilat; due to the geographical remoteness of Eilat and its proximity to the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, it was decided to create a separate subdivision).

In addition, anti-terrorist special forces were created in each of the military districts: Saeret "Golani" (reconnaissance of the Golani infantry brigade) - in the North, Saeret Tsankhanim (reconnaissance of the parachute brigade), Saeret Nahal (reconnaissance of the Nahal infantry brigade) and Saeret " Duvdevan" (special unit of the so-called Mistarvim, operating in Arabic camouflage in controlled territories) - in the Central and Sayeret "Givati" (reconnaissance of the infantry brigade "Givati") - in the Southern Military District. In 1995, for the confrontation " guerrilla war"Saeret "Egoz" was recreated in Lebanon (disbanded in 1974 together with Saeret "Cheruv" and Saeret "Shaked"); subsequently, the fighters of this detachment made an invaluable contribution to the fight against Palestinian terror in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and Gaza.

Nuclear potential

The existence of a constant threat national security on the part of its Arab neighbors is forcing Israel to maintain powerful armed forces in the country, equipped with modern means of armed struggle, including weapons of mass destruction. Although Israel has never conducted an open nuclear test, it is estimated that Israel is now the world's sixth largest nuclear power after the US, Russia, Britain, France and China. Israel's nuclear program dates back to the 1950s; D. Ben-Gurion and S. Perez stood at its origins.

Scientific support nuclear program was carried out by a team of scientists from. In 1952, the Nuclear Energy Commission, headed by E. D. Bergman, was established under the control of the Department of Defense. In 1956, Israel entered into a secret agreement with France to build a plutonium nuclear reactor. The reactor began to be built in a remote corner of the Negev desert, near Dimona.

The facility for reprocessing irradiated fuel was created in 1960, and the 26 MW reactor was put into operation in 1963. (Now the reactor power reaches 150 MW, which, according to experts, makes it possible to obtain weapons-grade plutonium in an amount sufficient to produce more than ten bombs average yield per year.) By the Six Day War, the first two nuclear devices had already been assembled, starting in 1970, Israel began to produce from three to five nuclear charges per year.

Israel refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty. nuclear weapons, reaching an understanding with the US administration (and personally with President R. Nixon), according to which, "it was assumed, but not recognized" that Israel is a state with nuclear weapons. Only on July 13, 1998, at a press conference in Jordan, S. Peres, who was then Prime Minister of Israel, for the first time publicly admitted that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, but neither he nor any other Israeli leader, either then or later did not release any details relating to this area.

According to various estimates, by now Israel could potentially have from one hundred to five hundred nuclear warheads, the total TNT equivalent of which could be up to fifty megatons. Since 1963, ballistic missile systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Back in 1989, the Jericho-2B ballistic missile with a range of up to 1,500 km, capable of hitting targets, including throughout Libya and Iran, was successfully tested. The Israeli Armed Forces also have airborne nuclear delivery vehicles (including the US-made F-16, F-4E Phantom and A-4N Sky Hawk aircraft). Israel is the only power in the Middle East with a high degree of probability having ground, sea and air-based nuclear weapons systems.

Israeli defense spending

In 2002, they amounted to 9.84 billion dollars (1984 - $4.3 billion). While Israel's defense spending has been steadily rising, on a per capita basis, it has remained relatively stable, albeit quite high, at around $1,500 a year.

A major contribution to the maintenance of Israel's defense capability is made by military assistance received by Israel from the United States. Israel first received gratuitous military aid from the United States in 1974 (worth $1.5 billion). For the period from 1974 to 2002. Israel received $41.06 billion in gratuitous military aid from the United States. At the same time, Israel is obliged to spend most of the military aid funds in the United States for the purchase of military equipment, spare parts, ammunition and equipment, which hinders the development of defense industry enterprises in Israel itself.

Procurement, production and export of weapons

The first major purchases of weapons were made in 1948 in Czechoslovakia (rifles, machine guns, and later fighters of the Messerschmidt type). At the same time, Israel was buying weapons from France and other countries, as well as acquiring surplus US military equipment.

In 1952, Israel signed an agreement with the US government on the purchase of military equipment, but during this period the share of Israeli military purchases in the US was negligible. The first jet aircraft of the Israeli Air Force - "Meteor" - were bought from Great Britain, which eventually became the main supplier of naval equipment, primarily destroyers and submarines.

In the 1950s France gradually became the main supplier of weapons to the Israel Defense Forces (primarily jet aircraft) - until the embargo on the supply of weapons to Israel, imposed on June 2, 1967 by President de Gaulle. In the 1960s the role of the United States as a supplier of weapons to the Israel Defense Forces is growing, but the United States became the main supplier only after the Six Day War.

The power of the Israel Defense Forces is determined not only by modern weapons purchased from abroad, but to a large extent depends on the industrial infrastructure with which the Israeli armed forces form a single military-industrial complex: the armed forces set technical tasks for the Israeli military industry, and the military industry enriches the arsenal Tzahala with its technical achievements, opening up new operational possibilities.

The high level of the Israeli military industry is the result not so much economic factors how many political decisions, since from the very first days of the existence of the Jewish state it became obvious that in emergency circumstances one cannot rely on the delivery of weapons and equipment ordered from abroad.

Today, Israeli industrial products cover almost all major branches of military production and include electronic and electrical equipment (in particular, radar and telecommunications equipment - an area in which Israel is among the world's best manufacturers), precision optical equipment, small arms, artillery pieces and mortars, rockets, some of which are the most advanced in their class, tanks, aircraft (light - for operational communications and maritime patrols, transport, unmanned aerial vehicles, fighters and fighter-bombers), warships, ammunition, personal equipment, military medical equipment and etc.

By the beginning of 2002, the total number of enterprises of the military-industrial complex (MIC) of Israel was about one hundred and fifty, and the total number of employees in defense enterprises exceeded fifty thousand people (of which about twenty-two thousand people are employed in three state-owned companies: the Aviation Industry Concern ”, the association“ Military Industry ”and in the Office for the Development of Arms“ Rafael ”).

The total output of the Israeli military-industrial complex in 2001 exceeded 3.5 billion dollars, and Israeli defense enterprises signed contracts for the export of their products in the amount of 2.6 billion dollars (Israel accounts for 8% of world arms exports). The Israeli military industry not only provides a significant part of the needs of the Tsahal in weapons, equipment and equipment, but also exports its products for hundreds of millions of dollars to the South (Argentina China

• means of communication (for example, search and detection systems for ejected pilots of airplanes and helicopters, as well as reconnaissance and special forces soldiers, which make it possible to establish their location with an accuracy of 10 m);
• sights and night vision devices for both small arms and armored vehicles and helicopters; electronic systems combat operations management for units of various levels;
• radar installations for different types armaments; means of searching and detecting mines, unexploded ordnance (which is very important for many countries in Asia and Africa);
• robots for the safe detonation of detected explosive devices; small arms and many other types of military equipment and equipment.

The advantage of Israeli weapons and military equipment supplied to the foreign market is that almost all of it has been tested in real combat operations, modified in accordance with the requirements of the field conditions of its operation and therefore is very reliable. The proceeds from the export of the Israeli military industry serve its further development.

Which is called the IDF.

The IDF - the Israeli Security Defense Army was created immediately after the founding of an independent, two weeks after the proclamation of a sovereign and independent state during the War of Independence. Then in 1948, under the leadership of David Ben Gurion, the interim government adopted a resolution on the creation of a state army, and already on May 26 this year, the interim government signed a document called the “Decree on the Israel Defense Forces”. Since the entry into force of this decree, it is customary to consider the emergence of the armed forces of Israel.

How is the Israel Defense Forces organized? I must say that its main composition is members of the Haganah, and therefore the organizational and structural structure of the new Jewish army remained mainly from the Haganah. Over time, members of the Irgun and Lehi also joined the IDF - the new army of the State of Israel.

Today, in the armed forces of Israel, according to Israeli laws, all citizens of Israel, as well as everyone who lives on its territory. They are drafted into the army, they serve in the IDF army, including girls.

But there are some population groups that, with the special permission of the Minister of Defense of Israel, can be exempted from service in - in the IDF.

These special categories include citizens of Arab nationality who are exempt from military service, but young people can volunteer to serve in the army if they wish. For citizens of Israel - Bedouins, who traditionally adhere to the Muslim religion, there are also discounts, they can serve in the army voluntarily.

But at the same time, the Druzes and Circassians who live on and are its citizens are subject to conscription into the Israeli armed forces and service, just like Jews.

Who else is included in the special groups exempted from the army? These special groups also include men who study in special Jewish religious schools. They may receive a deferment from military service for the period of study in religious educational institutions, which can last, by the way, a lifetime.

Girls from religious families can also be exempted from serving in the Israeli armed forces. Service in the active Israeli army can be replaced by alternative service in educational institutions Israel, in hospitals and hospitals, in various volunteer organizations.

In Israel, all citizens of the state must serve in the army, but despite this, the majority of believing Jews belonging to the ultra-Orthodox still do not serve in the Israeli army.

The duration of service in the Israeli army for men is 3 years, for women - 2. Every year, all those who have served in the regular army are called up for retraining at the training camp. The rank and file of the IDF army can undergo retraining for almost two months - 45 days.

The Israeli Armed Forces is the most developed and most high-tech army. About 50% is assigned to armament in Israel state budget, this is the largest percentage in the world.

The Israeli army consists of: ground forces, air force and navy and troops. There are 210 military personnel in the ground forces, 52 thousand in the air force, and 13 thousand in the naval forces.

One of the most elite parts of Israel is the Shayetet 13 unit. It is part of the secret military operations, both on land and at sea, and the operations are carried out behind enemy lines. In a word - a group that is engaged in sabotage work and intelligence. Neither the number, nor the composition of the unit, nor its location is disclosed and is classified information. The name of the unit, translated into Russian, means “13th Flotilla of the Israeli Naval Forces”.

The military unit "Shayetet 13" can be called "Israel's secret weapon."

In order to get into the unit, the conscript must go through a huge competition, special checks, and meet the highest requirements. After the initial selection, the recruit is allowed to a four-day selection, where he will undergo physical, psychological and intellectual tests. Having passed all the stages, and these are tasks of super-increased complexity, the recruit is enrolled in the Shayetet 13 unit.

The main activity of the secret part is to conduct reconnaissance operations, liquidate objects, seize and sabotage ships of the enemy side during hostilities.

The army and weapons of Israel are considered among the most powerful and powerful in the world. In addition, Israel is a nuclear power, which has Israeli nuclear weapons in service. And although no one has officially stated this, the leadership of the state of Israel itself does not refute the information about the presence of nuclear weapons in Israel.

We can provide official information that allows us to identify the most important objects - the components of the military nuclear potential of the Israeli state. These are the Sorek nuclear weapons research and development center and the Dimona and Yodefat factories, where nuclear weapons are assembled and dismantled. You can name such missile bases, and warehouses of nuclear weapons and atomic bombs like Kefar Zekharya and Eilaban. Such a small state and so powerful in its armament.

The Israeli army or the Tsakhal is a powerful shield that ensures the security of the state and its population, and is one of the largest armies in the world. It started in 1948 with the signing of the Israel Defense Forces Decree. The entire army system is built on military doctrine. The doctrine of the Israeli army was developed in 1949, but even now it has not lost its relevance.

Its main provisions are:

1. Israel is outnumbered by its neighbors, so it must be ready to fight for its territories.
2. Disputes with neighboring states are just a response to the enemy's rejection of the existence of the Jewish state and its freedom.
3. The small territory of the country does not allow the deployment of a full-scale operation.
4. Israel does not have the ability to wage a long war, in which case a large-scale mobilization of the population will eat up the economy in a matter of days.

During its existence, the Israeli army has shown its vast experience in serving, all conflicts and military operations have been successfully won. The composure and readiness of the army is also shown by the fact that in the event of a direct threat, a complete mobilization of the entire military personnel can occur within 24 hours. It is the only army in the world that recruits exclusively on a conscription basis and in which about 35% of women serve. Equipping the army at the highest level, only modern technology and weapons, nuclear warheads and submarines. Funding for the needs of the army is about 15 billion. dollars.

As you know, the patriotism of the Israeli people is developed to colossal heights, so the younger generation goes to serve in the army at the call of the heart. The entire population of Israel is liable for military service and falls under mandatory conscription from the age of 18. Both boys and girls serve, there are no divisions between them, there are mixed battalions such as "Caracal". The only difference is that girls can refuse to serve in combat units, choose a different direction. Also, girls do not serve in special forces. Service can be on a voluntary basis, and then as an instructor.

About 80% of the guys serve in the rank of fighter. Distribution criteria is the level of health. If everything is in order, then this is infantry or special forces, with an average level - these are tankers or artillery, for a weak level - this is air defense, paperwork or as a signalman. For guys with excellent knowledge of programming intelligence is open.

The duration of service is 36 months for the male population and 24 months for the female population. Officers serve a little longer, men 48 months and women 36 months.

Mostly Jews serve in the Israeli army, as well as Druze and Circassians, the rest of the population can go on a voluntary basis. Girls who got married before the start of the call or for health reasons are not subject to the call. Religious girls also do not serve in the army, but they are required to work for the benefit of the army for 2 years, for the salary of an army man. Namely, work in hospitals, helping wounded soldiers, or caring for lonely pensioners or children.

Mostly, ultra-orthodox Jews, who study in religious schools almost all their lives, do not serve. But there are those who prefer to give back to their homeland. For such citizens there are three religious battalions, their difference is only in the teachings of the Torah, and everything is like everyone else.

Men receive a deferment due to serious illness or while studying at a university, but these are mostly students who have chosen technical specialties and doctors. Humanitarians rarely get a reprieve. For teenagers who want to connect their lives with the army, there is an opportunity to study at cadet schools. Officers are trained in higher military institutions.

For repatriates who, at the time of arrival in Israel, are under 18 years old and at least 12 months have passed from the date of repatriation, they are doing military service on an equal footing with the rest of the conscripts of the Israeli state.

Since 2016, the ministry of aliyah has decided not to take on the service of repatriates who arrived in Israel after 22-26 years old, before such citizens served for about six months. Women are exempted from service if they arrive at the age of 20.

This decision of the ministry is due to the fact that it was the compulsory military service that was an obstacle for some repatriates to make aliyah earlier. For citizens who still wish to serve, there will be no barriers. Each recruit is assigned an individual term of service. Upon receipt of the summons (tsav rishon), which indicates the date of visiting the collection point, the recruit will undergo a test of mental abilities, and his state of health will be assessed there. At the medical examination, weight, height, and pressure are measured. Eye and hearing screening and all vaccinations. Collection of all necessary analyses. will also be collected full information personal data - this is an identity card, registration address, telephone number and, if received higher education, then a document confirming this fact.

The exam is taken in Hebrew orally and in writing, with its help they will be distributed among the structural units of the army. It is also necessary to pass a psychometric test for logic and thinking. When passing a medical commission, an appropriate health assessment is assigned, which also affects the distribution. A month later, another interview is held.

There are also special courses for new repatriates - Nativ and Eitan, they help to study Jewish culture, religion and customs, there is a Hebrew course.

Benefits for repatriates in the army

Returnee soldiers are entitled to benefits, additional leave and allowances from the Ministry of Aliyah. There are benefits for lone soldiers who do not see their parents for 9 months a year, or if the parents have died. Also, allowances are paid for paying for rented housing and paying for communal services. You can get help for the wedding. For soldiers whose service life was more than 12 months, various incentives are provided. This is the payment of cash benefits, the amount depends on the type of troops, various discounts and benefits when buying air tickets, paying for treatment, and reducing income tax. A deposit is also provided for a personal account, for buying a home or starting a business. However, there is still control over these funds, if a fighter uses this money for other purposes, a fine is due.

Help in finding a job, because many employers, when hiring a person, pay special attention to the mark of military service. In the absence of it, they may refuse. Additional leave is possible once a year. A repatriate can serve in any branch of the military, it depends on him physical training, health, education.

It should be noted that in the so-called elite troops only those soldiers who have received highest scores for all selection criteria. If a soldier is the only child in the family, then without the written consent of his parents, he will not be taken to combat units. For single soldiers or new arrivals from afar, there is also a hostel, which provides everything for a comfortable life. Comfortable rooms with a set of furniture and appliances, a dining room, a computer room, a laundry.

The initial stage of service - tyrant

Common to all recruits is the course of a young fighter (tyrant), the duration depends on the type of troops, basically lasts up to 3 months. This is a very difficult period, due to a sharp increase in physical activity. This is necessary in order to make excellent soldiers out of boys and girls as quickly as possible. This course includes crosses, hikes, forced marches, learn to shoot, drive a tank and just survive in difficult conditions. There is personal time, the soldiers communicate with each other, watch films or just relax.

At the end of the young soldier's course, all soldiers take an oath and an oath of allegiance to the people of Israel. The ceremony takes place near the Wailing Wall. Then everyone is transported to the places of deployment according to the distribution.

During the entire period of service, each soldier receives monetary compensation for his needs.

In the Israeli army, there is an active fight against hazing, each soldier can write a complaint against the commander in case of prejudice, there is a special person for this. Service in the army is paid, the amount depends on the military specialty, sometimes they are encouraged after a military operation has been completed. The Israeli army protects the life and health of its subordinates. But if suddenly a soldier is injured or disabled during a combat operation, then he switches to full state support and assistance.

Meals for Israeli soldiers

According to the laws of religion, even in the army, the rules of kashrut are observed. Since 2006 funding has been increased and consequently the menu has become more varied. It is worth noting that nutritionists and army doctors are developing the menu for soldiers, taking into account all the rules and regulations for proper and healthy nutrition, which can restore strength and maintain a healthy spirit.

For each type of troops, calories are counted, combat units receive a more high-calorie menu. Three meals a day with snacks. Dairy products are fat-free and served for breakfast.

In the diet of fighters for lunch, chicken, turkey or beef, there is fish. Large selection of vegetable salads. Hot soup is served daily. Dinner is light, mostly vegetable dishes. For dessert, waffles, buns, always fresh fruit. Juices, water, coffee and cocoa. For snacks, dry fruits, nuts, cereal mixes or bars. When collecting or hiking, everyone gets a dry bed. There is also a festive menu, it is even more diverse.

Reserve Service

Each soldier after the end of the main service, receives a referral to one of the reserve units. Every year, such reservists undergo 45 days of training, they are mandatory until the age of 45. Women are exempt from these fees.

army prison

An army prison is also provided, deserters and violators of the law fall into it. Refuseniks in Israel are a separate issue, many soldiers refuse to follow the orders of their commanders. Basically, this happens in dissimilar political views.

Just recently, about 200 recruits who were assigned to the infantry refused to go to their bases. This case was unheard of in the history of the Israeli army. This state of affairs can greatly affect the security of the state. Concerned ministers introduce a series of reforms.

Structure of the Israeli army

The Israeli army consists of three large structures - the ground forces, the air force and the navy. According to the latest data, the size of the army is about 720,000 people, more than half are reserve personnel, 187 thousand are regular military personnel.

Ground troops

The ground forces consist of military districts: Northern, Central and Southern. They include parachute troops, tank divisions, motorized infantry and marine divisions. When carrying out operations, mixed divisions are also made.

About 176 thousand people serve in the ground forces, 380 thousand in the reserve. They receive the most funding from the state. The head of the command is Major General Gobi Barak. The infantry, in turn, consists of regular brigades, battalions. Special forces units were separated in 2015 (Egoz, Duvdevan, Maglan, Rimon, Okets (canine service).

There are three separate battalions: Caracal, Kherev (mostly Druze serve), Bedouin Pathfinders. Armor tank forces consist of brigades, there are 4 of them. Important feature, in the tank troops, the percentage of female military personnel is much higher.

The artillery consists of three regiments: Amud haesh, Golan, Kal'a David. Engineering Troops I have 4 battalions, one of which is Yanfush, is engaged in protection against nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and special forces Yahalom.

Intelligence is the three battalions of Shahaf, Nitzan, Nesher. In service with a large number of tanks, namely 2030 pcs. tanks of the Merkava type, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles with an improved chassis protection system, there are no analogues in the world. Also artillery guns of various calibers, self-propelled guns, anti-aircraft guns, mortars.

Every year the weapons are improving and undergoing modernization, the tank fleet is being updated, even the ammunition is undergoing a number of updates, the mobility of artillery fire is improving, due to the introduction of radio electronics.

Israeli Air Force

The Israeli Air Force is 4 types of aviation: fighter, tactical, transport intelligence. The total number of military personnel is 34 thousand people and 55 thousand in reserve. The head is Major General Amir - Eshel.

The fighters are considered one of the strongest and most trained in the world, they have the largest number of flights. Being an aviation pilot is also prestigious, many recruits dream of getting here.

The air force consists of 6 directorates, several professional headquarters, such as the headquarters of the air defense forces, the headquarters of the special air forces, the Shaydag special unit. The troops of this unit work on high-tech equipment, assisting the Air Force in reconnaissance, aiming aircraft at a target and assisting injured pilots. A large number of combat operations involving Shaydag were crowned with success.

The total number of airfields is 57, the length of which is from 900 to 3000 m. Fighter air bases, helipads, aircraft squadrons are always in full combat readiness.

Main bases: Ramat David, Sdot Micha, Hatzor, Hatzerim, Tel Nof, Ovda, Haifa, Ramon, Nevatim. The air defense system consists of 500pcs. MANPADS "Stinger" and 400pcs. ZRPK "Macbeth". A significant part of the Israeli Air Force consists of F15 and F16 fighters, all of them manufactured by the USA. There are various modifications. There are combat attack aircraft 8 units of the brand AT802F - these are aircraft for extinguishing fires. There are old A-4N aircraft, 26 of them, 38 units are in storage - these are training aircraft. There are 7 RC-12D reconnaissance and tracking aircraft in service, two Gulfstream-550 aircraft are available, and one is in storage. 11 tankers and 70 for transport purposes.

The training aircraft include "Grob-120" made in Germany, there are 120 of them. There are also 20 pieces. combat training TA-4, (4 pieces in reserve) and one Italian novice M-346. Combat helicopters: AN-64 "Apache" 50 of them, AN-1 "Cobra" 54 pcs., transport helicopters and helicopters for various purposes of the OH-58 V type, 19 of them. (one in reserve), CH-53 A 10 of them. (8pcs in reserve), 39pcs S-72 A, 10 pcs. UH-60A 10 pcs.

Israel is the only state in the world that has a tactical missile defense system. It consists of three anti-missile batteries "Arrow" and one "Iron" systems of their own design. Israeli air defense is 17 pieces. US-made batteries "Hawk" and 6 pcs. "Patriot".

On the basis of Haifa there is a school of pilots and technical specialties. At the Hatzerim base there are flight academy for the training of officers, the Aviation Museum.

Israeli Navy

The head of administration is Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit. In his submission to the management of the Navy. They are divided into the following types: headquarters, naval operations, intelligence, logistics, personnel management. Each of them is engaged in solving various tasks and constantly monitors their implementation.

There are also two departments - underwater detection and port security. Each unit includes fleets and training bases. There are three naval bases - Haifa, Eilat, Ashdod. Locations: Akko, Atlit, Ashkelon, Dimona. There are also special forces or Shayetet 13. Considered the elite of the Navy, those wishing to serve in this flotilla undergo the most severe control and must meet high requirements. Be physically prepared and psychologically resistant to various emergency situations. The main task of this special unit is to work behind enemy lines, both on land and on water. Data on abundance and on the main composition are kept secret.

Only 12 thousand people serve in the Navy units. Both boys and girls serve. The Navy performs the following tasks: control and protection of the coastal zone, protection of communications and ports, combat operations against enemy ships, in case of violations, assistance to ground forces, blocking the coastal zone of the enemy.

The submarines "Dolphin" and "Crocodile", corvettes, patrol and missile boats are in service. Artillery shells, small arms and cannons, Gatling guns, rocket and torpedo weapons, anti-ship missiles of the Harpoon type. Every year, the Israeli fleet acquires more and more advanced ships. The Navy has 3 corvettes Saar 5, missile boats Saar 4.5, patrol boats Dabur, Super Dvora, Shaldag, Nakhshol, only about 46 units. Adopted a new battleship "Deborah" from the Israeli military industry.

Israeli missiles and nuclear weapons

According to the latest data, there are about 400 nuclear weapons, warheads, and air bombs in Israel. Hetz-2 is an anti-missile system, Jericho is a ballistic missile, Gabriel is an anti-ship cruise missile, Kepat Barzel is an anti-missile defense system. Also in Israel they create combat robots for various purposes.

Israeli intelligence - Saeret Matkal

The special unit under the General Staff - Saeret Matkal (intelligence) was created in 1957. Service in this division is the most prestigious. However, to join its ranks, it is necessary to go through the most severe course of a young fighter. The final, which is a 100km desert cross.

For a long time there was no information about him. And only now some facts are emerging. The fighters participated in more than 1000 operations, and also operates outside the country. They speak foreign languages ​​and dialects. This team consists of experts from various disciplines. Combat groups are ready for an assault and the release of hostages, they conduct operations on the high seas. Trained in diving techniques and working at great depths. The main type of weapon is small arms. Different kinds rifles and machine guns.

In November 2016, a proposal was made that only officers should serve in this unit. Fighters who do not have such a rank will undergo special training courses. The service will be extended. The Ministry of Defense explains this fact by the fact that the equipment for work and the technologies that soldiers use require a high level of training, knowledge and skills.

Foreign citizens in the service of the Israeli army

Foreigners can serve as volunteers. However, for this it is necessary to have Jewish roots. The program to attract volunteers is called Mahal. Under this program, boys and girls from all over the world can experience the atmosphere of the Israeli army. To do this, you must provide a letter of recommendation from the community of Jews from the place of permanent residence. Further, after confirmation, the recruit arrives in Israel 6 weeks before the expected start of the service to resolve everything organizational matters, pass a medical examination and a Hebrew course. Then, as with ordinary military men, the course of a young fighter awaits the volunteer. The general term of service is 14 months in the ranks of the army. After the end of the service, during the year you must work as a volunteer in your community.

Israeli military industry

The Israeli military industry has high level production. They make military equipment, not only for their own needs, but also actively export it. Drones, various communication systems, rocket launchers, ammunition, and various avionics for aircraft are in demand.

The Army of Israel is the highest school of life for young men and women. It brings up fortitude and endurance. He makes high-class specialists out of the most ordinary guys, who in the army gain not only experience in conducting combat operations, but also make new friends.

The IDF, better known to many as the IDF, has been in existence for over 65 years. However, at the same time, not everyone knows the details of the service in this army and how the life of its soldiers is.

The Israeli army is the only one in the world that is based on the principle of a professional, based on compulsory conscription.

Men are required to serve in the military for 36 months, while girls are required to serve for 24 months.

After conscription into the Army in Israel is carried out, the troops are divided into three main categories:

• Rear. They work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in specially equipped offices, occasionally they can also work during the night shift.
• Combat. They are at the forefront and are constantly fighting.
• Support troops.

It is worth noting the fact that soldiers who serve in the combat and support forces return home only one to three times a month.

Here it is impossible to "slope" from the army for a certain amount, which is actively practiced in modern CIS countries, as a result of which even the children of presidents are soldiers. The only option is to be crazy or have an extremely deplorable state of health, but if in our countries this in no way affects the future life of a person, then in Israel with such diagnoses it will be almost impossible to get a normal job.

If a citizen has not been passed through the Israeli army, he is, in principle, forbidden to work in various government services, that is, he simply cannot get a job there.

About a quarter of the country's total budget is spent on the army.

call

In the process of conducting the first check before the service, the draftee in the military registration and enlistment office is given an individual assessment of health, as well as social status. The maximum possible score is 97 out of 100, since absolutely healthy people do not exist, while the maximum possible social status score is 56.

It is worth noting the fact that the Israeli army assesses the social status of a person not only depending on how much his parents earn, but also in accordance with the characteristics of education, area of ​​​​residence, availability bad habits, hobbies and traits public life. There is a huge list of criteria by which the further service of a person in the army is determined, starting from the type of troops in which he will serve, ending with the possibility of prospects in terms of career growth.

Girls

Girls are strictly forbidden to be drafted into special forces. The only exception in this case are instructors in shooting and mining, hand-to-hand combat or drivers and similar professions. In the overwhelming majority of cases, approximately 80% of female conscripts serve exclusively in the rear or support troops.

It is worth noting that there are a lot of opportunities that the Israeli army provides to the female sex. Girls can voluntarily refuse to be drafted in accordance with their religious beliefs, but at the same time they will have to pay their own debt to their homeland without fail, having worked in socially useful positions for two years. In particular, it will be necessary to interact with wounded soldiers, pensioners, children and other similar segments of the population. It is also worth noting the fact that those girls who managed to get married or have one or more children are completely exempted from service.

Are girls sent to combat units?

Girls have the right to independently choose to serve in certain types of units, such as light infantry, air defense, aviation, border police or artillery, but in this case, in this case, their service life is exactly the same as the Israeli army sets for men. Girls serve in such units exclusively on a voluntary basis.

Men

With men, the situation is radically different. Accordingly, more than 80% of the total number of recruits are fighters (and this is the name of this position). If the guy's health is in perfect order, then in this case he is almost automatically sent to the motorized infantry or special forces, those who are less healthy - to artillery or tank troops, while the very weak ones - to air defense. If health completely fails, then in this case it is possible to conduct service in the rear troops.

Summon Features

It should be noted that there are also certain exceptions to the rules. Thus, even if the guy is absolutely healthy, but at the same time he has distinguished himself with special achievements in the field of programming or is well versed in foreign languages, The Israel Defense Forces provides him with the opportunity to serve in non-field intelligence. At the same time, if there are certain problems in the family, the same healthy men are sent to work in the office so that, if necessary, they can help their own family with any household duties, as well as get an additional evening income.

Among other things, there are also cases when very weak health guys with great efforts knocked out for themselves the opportunity to serve in the military forces or even took part in the service on the front line. Disabled people are also periodically voluntarily called up, for whom, if desired, they find a variety of positions.

Distribution

In order to get into the special forces, you need to go through an extremely difficult selection process, and this applies to both physical and psychological tests. Perhaps it is thanks to such a serious selection that the Israel Defense Forces are distinguished by such high professionalism.

For the first time, a special forces fighter can go on an operation only after he has completed training, which lasts for two years. Due to the fact that the training is quite lengthy, special forces soldiers sign an additional six months of military service at the beginning of their service. It is worth noting the fact that in standard combat troops the training period lasts for one year, as a result of which a fighter can go directly to a combat unit or enroll in a commanders course.

Commander course

The course of commanders represents the first stage of what the service in the army of officers includes, since only through it can one get to the appropriate school. Thus, initially four months of the course for squad commanders are completed, then eight months go directly to the school of officers, and the post-cadet is given the rank of junior lieutenant, as a result of which he will have to complete contract service for one year. One way or another, ultimately, military service provides for mandatory passage through a combat company, as a result of which an officer or soldier independently determines whether to move up the career ladder or go to the "demobilization".

Pilots

Pilots are the absolute elite of the local troops. Thus, any person who got into the Israeli armed forces dreams of becoming a pilot, but, of course, not everyone has such an opportunity. First of all, it is provided exclusively to excellent students of the school, and at the same time you need to have perfect health, not only from a physical, but also from a moral point of view. Among other things, it is imperative to have a sufficiently high social status, as well as show good results in the process of conducting extremely difficult physical and psychotechnical exams.

In the event that the recruit fully meets these criteria, he is called up to the Air Force for a pilot course, which is three years. It is worth noting that the women's army in Israel also provides for the possibility of serving in the Air Force.

During the training, the cadet, in addition to being directly trained in the art of flying, also receives a bachelor's degree and at the same time graduates from the school of officers. At the same time, it is worth noting the fact that after the completion of the pilot course, the officer must sign a contract for service for at least seven years. Girls in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) can be both fighter pilots and transport aircraft pilots. Thus, everyone can serve, but extremely strict requirements must be met.

How does the army work?

The Israeli army has been in constant combat readiness for more than 65 years, because during this time all sorts of skirmishes with groups of terrorists from the so-called Palestinian autonomy, who are not ready for peace, have not been interrupted, but at the same time, fire occasionally starts directly at the borders, after which a serious war begins. However, while everything is in a state of periodic skirmishes, the troops are engaged in the only task of patrolling the borders and, if necessary, arresting terrorists at night. After the start of the war, the Israeli army is transferred to a combat position and each individual battalion takes its own place in the army hierarchy, doing what it specializes in.

hazing

Unlike the opinion of many people who were not affected by the draft into the Israeli army due to living in another state, in fact hazing is also present, but it is fundamentally different from how it looks in the CIS countries. The “grandfathers” here are exclusively engaged in teaching their soldiers about military affairs, and also adjusting body armor, “unloading” and other equipment for each individual soldier. It is worth noting that “traditional” manifestations of hazing are observed only in the case of appointment of duty in the canteen, that is, “grandfathers” perform less cleaning work, etc. Moreover, if an ordinary soldier has slightly offended, the “grandfather” has the right to deprive him of one day off .

Do not forget that, in principle, hazing in the form in which it is present in the CIS countries is simply unacceptable in this case, since military weapons are constantly present in every soldier, as a result of which he can get on his nerves just during hostilities shoot your assailant. Thus, in the company they try to maintain the most friendly relations and create an appropriate atmosphere.

Serious violations

If a soldier commits any serious violations of military service, then in this case he is put on trial or sent to a specialized army prison. In Israel, girls serve in the army on almost the same terms as men, and therefore the punishments for them are similar. It is worth noting the fact that the time of such "imprisonment" is not included in the term of service, that is, it is added to its original term.

Civil life

After the soldier finishes his service, he is given the uniform of the Israeli army, and in ordinary life he is granted a variety of benefits. Thus, for example, if he has worked for more than 1,200 hours for the benefit of society, and at the same time received a salary from his place of work, the former soldier is provided with additional bonuses from the Social Security Institute, which amount to $ 1,700 for each such fighter. Among other things, every month the army transfers funds to a specific nominal account that can be used to get an education, buy your own home, or even open a small business.

If for five years the soldier has not used this money for certain purposes, then in this case he can simply transfer it to his account. It is worth noting that this amount is approximately $4,500 to $7,000. Former combat soldiers are given certain privileges in the process of obtaining scholarships to study at higher educational institutions.

Thus, the Israeli army is a real school of life, which young people strive to get into, and do not try to "hang" in all possible ways. It teaches how to survive in the most difficult conditions, allows you to form friendships with other people and reconsider your own values ​​​​of life - this is how those who managed to go through it characterize the army.