The Strength and Size of the Israeli Army: An Overview

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), also known by its Hebrew acronym Tzahal, stands as a testament to Israel’s enduring commitment to its defense and sovereignty. Since its inception in 1948, the IDF has evolved into one of the most formidable military forces in the Middle East, adeptly responding to various regional challenges while simultaneously advancing its technological prowess.

On 26 May 1948, following the orders of David Ben-Gurion, the IDF was established, consolidating different paramilitary groups like the Haganah, the Irgun, and Lehi. This was in the wake of the Israeli Declaration of Independence and the onset of the Arab-Israeli war. Since then, the IDF has been at the forefront of every armed conflict involving Israel, navigating threats from multiple directions, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. Over time, with the signing of peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, its primary focus shifted towards southern Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories. Nevertheless, the Syrian border has remained a hotspot, especially in light of the Syrian Civil War since 2011.

The IDF is structured into three primary branches:

• Israeli Ground Forces: The backbone of the IDF, constituting the bulk of its active and reserve personnel.
• Israeli Air Force: Equipped with a range of combat aircraft including F-16s, F-15s, and the more recent F-35s.
• Israeli Navy: Overseeing maritime defense with submarines, patrol, and coastal combatants in its fleet.

With 169,500 active military personnel and an impressive reserve force of 465,000, Israel maintains a substantial defense capability. The mandate for conscription ensures a continuous influx of trained individuals, with men serving 32 months and women serving 24 months.

Israel is at the cutting edge of military technology. Their vast arsenal includes over 2,200 tanks, 530 artillery systems, 339 combat-capable aircraft, 142 helicopters, and naval assets like five submarines and 49 patrol combatants.

One of the pinnacles of Israel’s defense innovation is the Iron Dome system. Developed post the 2006 war with Hezbollah, this air defense system is designed to intercept short-range rockets. Operational since 2011, the Iron Dome boasts an impressive success rate, with over 90% of rockets being intercepted in 2021 alone.

While Israel maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear arsenal, it's widely believed that the country has operational nuclear weapons. Estimates suggest Israel possesses between 80 and 400 warheads. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) further posits that Israel has Jericho missiles and aircraft capable of delivering these warheads.

Defense is an expensive enterprise, and Israel's dedication to its military is evident in its spending. In 2022, Israel allocated $23.4 billion to its military. This amount is significant, translating to $2,535 per capita between 2018-2022, making Israel the second-largest military spender per capita globally, following Qatar. Military expenditure constituted 4.5% of Israel's GDP in 2022.

The US-Israel defense relationship has been a cornerstone of Israel’s security strategy. Since 1967, the two nations have maintained close ties, collaborating on projects like the F-15I, Tactical High-Energy Laser, and Arrow missile system. Israel is also the largest recipient of US military aid, with figures surpassing $263 billion from 1946 to 2023. This assistance reflects the shared strategic interests and mutual democratic values of the two nations.

Interestingly, while Israel was historically a net importer of weapons, the last decade has seen a change. Israel's weapon exports now consistently surpass its imports. From 2018 to 2022, Israel exported weapons worth $3.2 billion to at least 35 countries, with India being the largest buyer. During the same period, Israel's weapon imports totaled $2.7 billion, predominantly from the US and Germany.

The Israel Defense Forces, through its long history of conflict and challenges, has emerged as a modern, technologically advanced, and robust military force. The country's commitment to defense, combined with international partnerships and a focus on innovation, ensures that the IDF remains a significant player in regional security dynamics.