may 26, 1948 - IDF formed

Description:

Ben-Gurion ordered the formation of an Israeli Defence Force from the Haganah. Defence was a priority for Israel because it was surrounded by hostile states (and refugee camps after the war). Irgun and Lehi were later absorbed into the IDF.

The IDF:
- had a small core of professionals
- was based on conscription for males and females over 18
- had reserve forces of ex-conscripts up to the age of 55

It became a hugely powerful force, and it received a large proportion of government funding (35% in 1956), as well as international funding and weapons from France.

The USA refused to sell weapons to Israel in case the Arabs bought more too and another war started.

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