Israeli Defence Forces

What was the IDF?

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) was the Haganah under Ben-Gurion. Later it also included the Lehi and Irgun.

Who were in the IDF?

The IDF were made up of a core of professional soldiers plus conscripted soldiers.

Who were conscripted into the IDF?

All non-Arab adults were conscripted (forced to serve) in the IDF. Men for 30 months and women for 18 months.

Who were the reserves in the IDF?

Ex-conscripted soldiers became the IDF reserve forces until they were 55 years old. They had to train for at least one month a year for this.

What if you were not in the IDF?

Anyone who was not in the IDF reserves had to be ready to work in other essential roles if a war broke out. Things like working in a factory, hospital or school. This meant more could leave their jobs and fight.

What budget did the IDF receive from the Government?

In 1952 the IDF received 23% of the Governments entire budget and by 1936 this had risen to 35%.

How did the IDF get weapons?

The IDF found that the USA would not sell them weapons, as they were worried about the Arab nations doing the same. Therefore, the IDF bought from France or created their own.

How did the IDF spy?

The IDF relied on military intelligence or spying. This led to the created of the Mossad, Israel's Secret Service in 1949.