Today, 75 years ago, the Israel Defense Forces was established by an order issued by the Provisional Government and signed by the first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, two weeks after the declaration of the establishment of the state. In honor of the army's feast day, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevy today published a commander's letter that will be read at IDF bases, and as a mark of appreciation, more than 45 authorities will shine green on key buildings marking 75 years of the IDF and as a sign of the IDF's reserve forces.
The IDF's Establishment Ordinance was signed by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion on May 26, 1948, and on May 31, it was published and went into effect, formally ending the era of the Jewish underground and beginning the era of the sovereign army, which rests despite the young state institutions.
The Order for the Establishment of the Army, photo: Israel State Archives
In a letter published by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy, it was written that "the order of the day for the establishment of the IDF was signed with the oath of those in uniform to defend the state. This oath is still heard today by young recruits, and it runs through the generations. We will continue to fulfill the promise to dedicate all of ourselves to defending the homeland and Israel's freedom and to preserving the security of the state and its citizens."
The chief of staff added that "at the base of the IDF's strength is the fortitude of its fighters, who are supported by the most advanced technological developments in the world and precise intelligence."
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy at Independence Day celebrations, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff also addressed the issue on the public agenda: "The Israel Defense Forces was established first and foremost as a fighting army, and at the same time it was intended to serve as a unifying social framework. The basic principles of its establishment still exist today: the people's army, which has room for every man and woman from all parts of the nation, who must have equal conscription from which the military leadership grows."
Letter of the Chief of Staff Commander on the occasion of the IDF's establishment day, photo: IDF Spokesperson
The First Squadron
In honor of the occasion, documents and photos from that fateful period were published, among them: the orders to establish the first squadron (100 Squadron), the first fighter squadron (101st Squadron), and the Intelligence Corps.
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and the first pilots, photo: Ministry of Defense
Order establishing the Intelligence Department, photo: IDF Spokesperson
Establishment Order of the First Fighter Squadron, 101st Squadron, Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Establishment Order of the First Squadron, 100 Squadron, Photo: IDF Spokesperson
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