Israel Defense Forces
Coverage of Israel Defense Forces in the Nexus archive.
- IDF strikes at five terrorists in northern Gaza, killing 1
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck five terrorists in northern Gaza, killing at least one, according to a military statement on Monday.
- The Fourth of July That Saved My Family
On July 4, 1976, Israeli commandos conducted a rescue mission in Uganda to free hostages, including the author's parents, from a hijacked Air France flight. The operation, which resulted in the rescue of 102 hostages and the deaths of three others, underscored the author's belief in American freedom and led to a career in U.S. intelligence.
- Erroneous hijack alert on a flight to Tel Aviv triggered fighter escorts and an emergency landing
A LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv was diverted to Bulgaria after an unintentional hijack alert triggered by a technical failure in the aircraft's transponder. Israeli and Bulgarian fighter jets escorted the plane, and passengers were screened by police after an emergency landing in Burgas.
- IDF dismantles Hezbollah terror tunnel complex near Israeli border
The Israel Defense Forces dismantled a Hezbollah terror tunnel complex near the Israeli border, destroying an underground facility in Southern Lebanon that contained hundreds of weapons and several rocket silos.
- Katz vows no IDF withdrawal from south Lebanon ‘even if there’s an American demand’
Israeli Defense Minister Katz states Israel will not withdraw IDF forces from south Lebanon even under potential American pressure. The IDF reports two Hezbollah gunmen were hit near troops, and two others were killed in a drone strike.
- Netanyahu vows continued Israeli military presence in Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defense minister Israel Katz, and Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir reaffirmed Israel's commitment to maintaining a military presence in southern Lebanon and continuing operations against Hezbollah. They emphasized targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and maintaining a security zone in the region, with Netanyahu stating Israel would retain 'full freedom of action' in Lebanon indefinitely.
- Israeli PM's office says operations in Lebanon will continue
Israel has stated it will continue military operations in southern Lebanon despite ongoing ceasefire efforts and diplomatic initiatives. The Israeli PM's office emphasized the need to neutralize threats, demolish terrorist infrastructure, and maintain a security zone. A joint statement from the PM, Defense Minister, and military chief confirmed the IDF's continued actions.
- IDF lifts all restrictions on northern Israel in wake of Lebanon ceasefire
The Israel Defense Forces’ Home Front Command lifted all restrictions from communities near the Lebanese border in northern Israel following a situational assessment. The action was taken in the wake of a ceasefire with Lebanon.
- Israeli ambassador, UN official shout over each other in tense exchange over sexual violence blacklist
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon and UN official Vanessa Frazier engaged in a heated shouting match during a UN meeting over Israel's inclusion in a sexual violence blacklist. Danon accused the UN of bias and bullying, calling for the resignation of UN Special Representative Pramila Patten, while the UN report cited Israeli entities for suspected patterns of sexual violence.
- Israel continues strikes in Lebanon despite ceasefire with Hezbollah
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 16 people and wounded 12 amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire agreement. The Israel Defense Forces claimed the attacks targeted Hezbollah positions after the group fired over 50 projectiles, while Iran criticized Israel's actions as undermining a U.S.-brokered deal to end the conflict that began on Feb. 28.
- Four IDF soldiers killed by Hezbollah drone strike in Lebanon
Four Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed in Southern Lebanon by a Hezbollah drone strike targeting a tank. The military announced the incident on Friday.
- IDF announces elimination of Hezbollah commander behind murder of 5 American soldiers
The Israel Defense Forces announced the elimination of Hezbollah commander Ali Musa Daqduq, who orchestrated the 2007 kidnapping and murder of five American soldiers. Daqduq held multiple senior roles in Hezbollah and was killed in a strike in southern Lebanon. The IDF also conducted recent strikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
- Civil Records for Hundreds of Thousands of Lebanese Could Be Wiped Out By Israel’s Total War
Israel's military campaign in southern Lebanon may destroy civil records for up to 250,000 people, including land deeds and property ownership documents in Bint Jbeil district. Residents fear the destruction of these records will complicate post-war reconstruction and leave them legally untethered from their homes. Lebanese authorities have been unable to access critical records stored in the Grand Serail administrative building due to Israeli control of the area.
- Behind the scenes: How Israel and Iran nearly pulled Trump back to war
President Trump intervened to prevent Israel and Iran from escalating conflict after Israel struck a Hezbollah target in Beirut and Iran responded with missile attacks. Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate, warning that further action could lead to war, but Netanyahu argued inaction might embolden Iran. The situation remains unresolved as Netanyahu considers military responses.
- Trump calls on Israel and Iran to "immediately stop shooting" as ceasefire frays
President Trump urged Israel and Iran to stop shooting as their ceasefire deteriorates. Hostilities resumed after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored Trump's request, leading to reciprocal strikes and missile attacks. The U.S. does not support Israel's actions, and the conflict threatens ongoing negotiations.
- Iran and Israel exchange airstrikes, putting US-backed ceasefire in jeopardy
Iran and Israel exchanged airstrikes, disrupting a U.S.-backed ceasefire. Israeli military intercepted Iranian missiles and struck targets in Iran, while U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate. Markets and oil prices reacted negatively to the renewed conflict.
- Israel strikes Iran military targets after Iranian missile attack
The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on military targets in central and western Iran in retaliation for an Iranian missile attack, escalating tensions after a ceasefire. A U.S. defense official stated the U.S. military was not involved, and Iran closed its airspace around Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport following the strikes.
- Hezbollah's secret 'kill, wound and maim' bomb network exposed as Israel strikes Beirut
Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah command centers in Beirut's southern suburbs following rocket attacks into northern Israel. The IDF dismantled a Hezbollah explosives facility containing components for anti-personnel shrapnel devices, as experts noted the network's intent to wound or kill people on foot.
- Iran fires missiles at Israel for first time since ceasefire
Iran launched missiles at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Beirut, marking the first Iranian missile attack on Israel since a ceasefire was announced on April 8. Israeli officials reported air defense systems intercepting the threat, with the IDF reinforcing defensive capabilities and maintaining high readiness.
- Israel targets Hezbollah with strike on Beirut despite ceasefire
Israel launched strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs in retaliation for Hezbollah attacks, killing at least two people and wounding 11. Clashes continued despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire rejected by Hezbollah, with Israel warning of possible strikes on Tyre. The conflict has resulted in over 3,600 deaths and 11,000 injuries in Lebanon since March 2.
- Israeli strike kills Lebanese general amid war against Hezbollah
An Israeli airstrike killed a Lebanese general, a captain, and a soldier, escalating tensions despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire. Both sides reported casualties as clashes continued between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.
- Israel's military eliminates Hamas terrorist who helped abduct American-Israeli hostage, 3 others
The Israel Defense Forces announced the elimination of Hamas terrorist Yousef Ayesh Awad Ramadan, a deputy commander of a Hamas Nukhba cell, who participated in the abduction of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and three others during the October 7th attack. Ramadan was killed in the central Gaza Strip and had planned attacks against IDF soldiers and civilians.
- Israel troops capture Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon
Israeli troops captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with images of the Israeli flag raised at the site. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as a 'dramatic stage and dramatic change in our policy.'
- “Hunting” the October 7 Attackers: What the Law of Armed Conflict Permits – and What It Doesn’t
Israel's IDF and Shin Bet are conducting a campaign to kill or capture participants in the October 7 attacks using intelligence and technology. The effort targets Hamas operatives, including senior leaders, and involves a special military tribunal for those captured. Legal debates persist over whether lethal force under the Law of Armed Conflict is preventive or punitive.
- Race to escape Beirut: Thousands flee after Netanyahu orders IDF to strike targets in the city
Thousands are fleeing Beirut after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to strike targets in the city. The military action has prompted a mass exodus, with civilians attempting to escape the conflict zone.
- Race to escape Beirut: Thousands flee after Netanyahu orders IDF to strike targets in the city
Thousands are fleeing Beirut as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to strike targets in the city.
- UN accuses Israel of committing sexual violence against Palestinians
The United Nations accuses Israel of committing sexual violence against Palestinians, with the Israel Defense Forces identified as perpetrators in a report by the secretary-general.
- Israel blasts UN chief for adding IDF to war-zone sexual violence blacklist
Israel has cut ties with UN chief António Guterres over his decision to list the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on a war-zone sexual violence blacklist alongside Hamas. The Foreign Ministry accused Guterres of fabricating accusations during his final months in office.
- Netanyahu says he told IDF to seize 70% of Gaza, well beyond terms of truce
Netanyahu claims he ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to seize 70% of Gaza, exceeding truce terms. An anti-Hamas militia displayed a heavy drone possibly supplied by Israel, while Hamas buried a Gaza City deputy commander and the IDF killed a moneyman linked to Hamas's military wing.
- Israel declares new swathe of Lebanon ‘a combat zone’, imperilling ceasefire
Israel's military declared a new area in southern Lebanon a combat zone, urging residents to evacuate north and threatening force against Hezbollah. Over 120 strikes occurred in Lebanon despite a ceasefire announced on April 16, signaling potential escalation.
- Israel’s military tells residents across southern Lebanon to leave as it fights Hezbollah
Israel's military ordered southern Lebanon residents to evacuate as it expands operations against Hezbollah, escalating conflict near the Litani River and Nabatiyeh. The warning follows daily attacks by both sides and precedes planned ceasefire discussions at the Pentagon.
- Israel steps up attacks on Hamas and Hizbollah
Israel's military (IDF) intensified attacks on Hamas and Hizbollah, killing Mohammed Odeh, the head of Hamas' military wing, in a strike in Gaza.
- Israel says targeted new Hamas armed wing chief in Gaza strike
Israel claims to have targeted the chief of a new Hamas armed wing in a strike in Gaza. The article mentions Israeli defense officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, visiting Palmachim Airbase.
- Elbit’s profit soars as global defense needs drive record order backlog
Elbit Systems reported soaring profits driven by increased global defense demand, with record order backlogs exceeding $30 billion as of March. The company highlighted strong sales of ammunition and munitions to Israel's military and European customers, with 71% of orders coming from international clients.
- Netanyahu orders IDF to ‘intensify blows’ against Hezbollah amid surge in drone attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify military operations against Hezbollah following a surge in drone attacks. The US has indicated it will permit increased Israeli action against the Iran-backed group, while a northern Lebanese mayor anticipates heightened conflict in the coming days.
- Soldier killed in south Lebanon by Hezbollah drone, another seriously wounded
Sgt. Nehoray Leizer, 19, was killed and another soldier seriously wounded when a Hezbollah drone struck an armored personnel carrier in the Bint Jbeil area of south Lebanon. He is the 10th soldier killed since a truce and the 22nd since March 2.
- IDF draws up Lebanon plans amid concern Iran deal could curb fighting with Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing plans for operations in southern Lebanon, expressing concerns that an Iran deal could limit Israel's military actions against Hezbollah. Israel reportedly informed the U.S. that it seeks unrestricted freedom to act in Lebanon, though the deal's terms may restrict such operations to scenarios where Hezbollah initiates an attack.
- Trump said moving toward ordering strikes on Iran but no final decision made
US President Donald Trump reportedly considered ordering military strikes on Iran due to frustration with negotiations, though no final decision was made. Separately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck Lebanon after issuing an evacuation warning for Tyre.
- Government ‘urgently seeking’ status of 11 Australian Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel
Eleven Australian activists were detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of a global flotilla. The Global Sumud Flotilla alleged that the Israel Defense Forces encircled 38 ships in international waters off the coast of Cyprus. The Australian government is seeking confirmation of their welfare.
- Hamas leader tied to Oct. 7 attack planning killed in latest strike: Israel
Israel's latest strikes in Gaza killed a top Hamas strategist involved in planning the October 7 attack on Israel, which led to a wider war in the region. The Israel Security Agency and Israel Defense Forces announced the killing of the strategist. The attack sparked a significant escalation of violence.