The Israeli Air Force operates as the aerial and space warfare branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. As of April 2022, Aluf Tomer Bar has been serving as the Air Force commander.
201 Squadron IAF F-4E Phantom II with 3 kill markings
An Israeli Air Force A-4N Skyhawk of 102 Squadron "Flying Tiger"
An F-16A Netz #107 of 116 Squadron "Defenders Of The South" with 7.5 kill marks, including the triangle symbol for Operation Opera
69 Squadron F-15I Ra'ams at Red Flag 04-3
The Israel Defense Forces, alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal (צה״ל), is the national military of the State of Israel. It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security apparatus. The IDF is headed by the Chief of the General Staff, who is subordinate to the Israeli Defense Minister.
Major-Gen. Ariel Sharon (left), during the Battle of Abu-Ageila, June 1967
IDF Kirya Compound, Tel Aviv
Israeli officers of the Paratrooper Battalion 890 in 1955 with Moshe Dayan (standing, third from the left). Ariel Sharon is standing, second from the left and commando Meir Har Zion is standing furthest left.
Israeli soldiers coming back from the Second Lebanon war, armed with the M4 Carbine and the IMI Negev light machinegun
