History of Israel and the IDF

The history of Israel reaches back to biblical times. Its history is the history of a people united by a monotheistic faith long before such ideas were accepted in the rest of the world. Though a small nation by almost any standard, it's religious and geographic location have often placed it in the spotlight of history. It's people known as Jews, Hebrews, Israelites and today Israelis, have often found themselves thrust into unwanted and often unwished for spotlight.

In modern times it's people have gone from being almost wiped out in a war which saw half its population killed  with almost 40 million others to reestablishing themselves as a nation in 1948. From 1948 to the present Israel has fought more wars and battles than other countries have faced over centuries in order just to survive. It's ability to do so has rested solely on the shoulders of its army commonly called the IDF or Israeli Defense Forces.

We hope to bring the history of Israel as accurate as we can. That Israel the nation is at the same time a religion as well as a people all wrapped into one requires looking at it form two perspectives. One  from the side of biblical Israel and its religion, the other being modern State of Israel . Both perspectives are not with out their minefields. Religion rarely lends itself to be discussed unemotionally. While the State of Israel having impacted heavily on world politics even in its short history is a minefield in and of itself.

The history on these pages will likely upset someone. For this we are truly sorry, but when faith, history and human nature combine there is almost always friction. While we do not intend to rewrite either the bible or history, neither will we delete or purposely leave out that which is not flattering or in conflict with some religiously held belief. We have divided this page into three parts  biblical, modern and IDF history. The Term biblical for our use will mean that which is included in the 'Torah', commonly called Jewish bible or Old Testament.

If you have something to add or feel is incorrect please contact us, the information on how to do that is located on the information page. There is a historical forum on the forum page for discussing anything historical. It is a moderated forum and is not intended for political debate.