The Army : Isreal

Israel is usually proud of its army, known as Tzahal (the Hebrew acronym for Tz’va Hagana LeYisrael, Israel Defense Forces; that’s IDF in English). All 18-year-olds are drafted -men for three years, women for two-with certain exceptions, most notably non-Druze Arabs (who may enlist if they choose but are not conscripted) and yeshiva students. The result is an informal and highly-motivated citizens’ army. The IDF is a fact of life for Israeli men from ages 18 to 55, when regular reserve duty (miluitn) call-ups cease. (Women are not called for reserve service.)