The Idf: Economic, Political, and Cultural Sociological Effects

The IDF: Economic, Political, and Cultural Sociological Effects It is necessary for all countries to have an army in order to defend it. Israel is no exception. However, the unique character of the Israeli army shapes the culture and personality of Israel and its people. The army has influenced every aspect of Israeli society, from its economy to politics to its culture. Before one can comprehend the affect of the army on Israel, a brief history is necessary. Israel 's armed forces, known as the Tsva Ha-Haganah Le-Yisrael, often abbreviated Tsahal, and known in English as the Israeli Defense Force, or IDF, includes the Israel army, Israel air force and Israel navy. Ever since it was formed following the founding of Israel in 1948, Israel has been under constant attack. There has been a war in Israel approximately every ten years, which has created an atmosphere of anxiety among Israelis because they relentlessly fear for their lives. The most well known of these wars, which have transformed Israel into the society it is today, include the War of Independence in 1948, the Six-Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and the current al-Aqsa Intifada. Each war was on the defensive and as victorious for the Israelis as the one that preceded it. In 1947, after the United Nations partitioned the British Mandate of Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, both Jews and Arabs criticized aspects of the plan. The Jewish population for the most part welcomed the plan, but the Arab leadership and others who opposed the Jews having their own state rejected it. The Arab leadership organized Palestinian volunteers to wage guerilla warfare against the Jewish cause, and thus the war began. After the War of Independence, Israel got 50% more land than they were originally allocated by the United Nations. This was the first of many conflicts between Israel and its neighbors. Security today is at an all time high. Although the Intifada is by no means a normal

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