Israel - The Israeli Military

Without the Israeli army, Israel would cease to exist. A tiny nation with a reputation for striking first, Israel has been on the offensive rather than the defensive for most of its short life.

The Israelis spend about 20 percent of their budget on defense. Uncle Sam kicks in another $1.8 billion a year. The bill for the United States to keep Israel alive is $5 billion, making it our biggest aid receiver. Troops are stationed in the occupied zones, throughout the country and along the border with Lebanon, where a security zone is controlled by the South Lebanese Army (SLA), a militia funded by Israel. The military is a big part of any Israeli's life in Israel. Military service is four years for officers, three years for men and two years for unmarried women. Annual compulsory reserve duty continues up to the age of 54 for men, 24 for single women. Because of the Palestinian intifada, or uprising, annual compulsory reserve duty was increased to 62 days from 42 days in 1988. Jewish and Druze citizens are conscripted, but Christian, Circassian and Muslim citizens are exempt. However, they're permitted to volunteer.

Of Israel's 5.8 million people, more than one-sixth are Arabs. Troops are also stationed along the border with Lebanon, where a security zone is controlled by the South Lebanese Army. The security zone is designed to prevent guerrilla attacks on the country. In addition, troops are stationed on the Golan Heights. The navy patrols the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Israel has a strategic cooperation agreement with the United States, signed in 1982.

The fear of an Arab chemical or missile attack has prompted the Israeli government to research and develop increasingly sophisticated weapons. It was the largest foreign participant in the United States' Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). The United States paid 80 percent of the cost of the Arrow antimissile system, which Israel can use for its own defense. In addition, the navy is developing an interceptor system capable of destroying missiles, ships and aircraft within a 12-kilometer range. An intelligence-gathering satellite is being developed. Its aim is to reduce dependence on U.S. intelligence sources. Although it has never been confirmed, Israel is believed to have the capacity to manufacture nuclear weapons.

Israel Defense Forces

http://www.idf.il/