The IDF was established on May 31, 1948, just two weeks after Israel’s declaration of independence. 

Since its creation, its guiding principles have been shaped by the country’s need to defend itself from its numerically superior neighbours. The primary element of this doctrine is the belief that Israel cannot afford to lose a single war. 

IDF planners believe that this goal can be attained only through a defensive strategy that utilizes the rapid mobilization of overwhelming force to take the war to the enemy. 

Becasuse the Israeli army has a relatively small active-duty component—estimates in the early 21st century placed it at some 125,000 troops, of whom roughly two-thirds were conscripts—this mission could be achieved only through the maintenance of a well-trained reserve force and active intelligence gathering. 

These human assets were supplemented with robust early warning systems, one of the world’s most advanced theatre missile defense networks, and a mechanized force that included some 2,500 main battle tanks and more than 5,000 armoured personnel carriers.

Source: VKTECH Defense