User:Ynhockey/Israel Defense Forces

{{Infobox}}, as in current version

Lead section - 3-4 evenly-sized paragraphs. The first should explain what the IDF is (Israel's armed forces, consisting of ground, air and sea, etc.). The second should have brief information about IDF's history, especially the founding, like the fact that it's based on the earlier Haganah and was officially founded by Ben Gurion on May 26, 1948. The third (and possibly 4th) paragraph should summarize the unique and interesting points about the IDF - conscription of women, military technology and the fact that it's been questioned for its actions in the territories (but let's not carried away with this - the lead should be the most factual and NPOV part of the article by far).

History

This section should be fairly brief because there's a main article, but not as brief as it is now. 4-5 large paragraphs are fine, giving the outline for the notable events in the IDF's history, with emphasis on background/founding, the major wars, and counter-terror operations. It could be divided into two sub-sections: background and founding, and post-1948 (not sure how the sections should be named, but that's not the point).

Structure

The IDF's command structure, including explanation about the 3 arms, the various commands (emphasis on the difference with most of the world's armies, where everything is under either ground, air or navy - in the IDF we have directorates, commands, etc.) and explanations about command subordination vs. professional subordination. This section should be less listy than the current version, and have a lot more prose. The listy stuff can be replaced by Noclador's structure diagram, or a new much simpler diagram can be made with a thumb containing Noclador's diagram on the side.

Most of the current 'overview' section, including explanations about sadir (regular), keva (professional) and milu'im (reserve), as well as Border Police, Israel Police and IPS service, should be included in a sub-section such as 'Types of service'. Overseas volunteer programs and alternatives to military service in Israel (sherut le'umi) should be briefly outlined.

Weapons and equipment

This is actually the only section which I think is properly structured right now, but of course it lacks sources. The table should be better-formatted as well.

IDF code

Again, the section's title should be different, but I couldn't come up with anything. It should deal with everything within the IDF, including ranks and insignia, uniforms, medals and decorations, the IDF Spirit (code of conduct), the military judgement law (hok shiput tzva'i), etc.

Within Israel's legal system

This section (couldn't come up with a better title) should deal with every legal aspect of the IDF within Israel's legal system, notably the current overtly long section about minorities. It should also deal with controversies inside Israel like the Tal Law, legal exemptions, and the service law (hok sherut bitahon).

Foreign relations

Similar to the current 'expenditures and alliances' section. This could also use more information about IDF's joint operations, joint training, overseas attachés, etc.

Criticism

The ugliest section, but unfortunately there's enough criticism. I think this should deal mainly with international criticism, and a short sub-section on criticism within Israel should have similar information to the 'within legal system' section. This section should have an emphasis on sourcing, and any unsourced statements should be considered disputed and removed with extreme prejudice.

Draft

The Israel Defense Forces has become embroiled in a number of controversies over its human rights record, and has been accused by such organisations such as B'tselem, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch of violating the laws of war.[ref] Its supporters dismiss such accusations as biased that they do not take into account the reality of the threats faced by the IDF. In addition, the IDF faces domestic criticism for its drafting practices,[ref] treatment of problematic soldiers,[ref] and for allegedly becoming increasingly religious.[ref]

Weapons and proportionality of force

The IDF has been accused of using excessive force against enemy guerilla forces, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Palestinian militants. Notable instances including Operation Defensive Shield (2002),[ref] the Second Lebanon War (2006)[ref] and Operation Cast Lead (2009).[ref] Israeli politician Binyamin Netanyahu refutes these claims as hypocritic, in light of the Bombing of Dresden by the Allies during World War II in response to rockets against Britain, which Netanyahu compares to Qassam and Katyusha rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah.

In addition, the army has been repeatedly accused of using illegal weapons, or using conventional weapons illegally. The IDF is considered by many to possess nuclear weapons.[ref] It has also been accused of using depleted uranium against Hezbollah in 2006 and against Syria in 2007, although these claims were not supported by official investigations.[ref] In Operation Cast Lead, the IDF allegedly used white phosphorus against the Gazan civilian population in crowded areas.[ref]

Human rights record

The IDF was accused both in Israel and abroad for disregarding the human rights of civilians, intentionally killing them, or turning a blind eye to specific human rights violations. Notable cases include multiple massacres during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War,[ref] and massacres at Qibya (1953)[ref] and Kafr Qasim massacre (1956).[ref] Another notable incident that gained worldwide attention was the Sabra and Shatila massacre, where Israel allegedly turned a blind eye, and even assisted, the murder of at least 328 Palestinian civilians in south Lebanon by the local Christian militia.[ref] The event generated massive protests both in Israel and abroad.[ref] Ever since, Israel and the IDF in particular have been targets of numerous protests and demonstrations following each operation that left civilians casualties.[ref] The IDF was also criticized for bad treatment of prisoners, dating back to the Yom Kippur War when

In addition, the IDF has been criticized for its practice of house demolitions as collective and unfair punishment of the Palestinian civilian population.[ref] Other accusations include the use of human shields and deliberately attacking civilian targets.[ref] The group Breaking the Silence, which consists of reservist soldiers, is dedicated to exposing instances of deliberate abuse, including the usage of Palestinian human shields.[ref] The army has also been accused of humiliating Palestinian civilians and harming their right to free movement at checkpoints.[ref] Checkpoints are monitored by the NGO Machsom Watch.[ref] Human dignity is one of the three core values of the IDF's Code of Conduct.[ref]

Domestic and internal criticism

Certain left-wing organizations in Israel are opposed to the mandatory military service, and oppose the IDF's drafting practices.[ref] An organization called Target 21 helps soldiers who wish to be exempt from service due to medical reasons (Profile 21) to fake mental or physical illness.[ref] Israelis have also accused the IDF of being insensitive to soldiers with special problems, including the arrest of AWOLs who may not be aware that they are deserters.[ref]

Women's rights groups in Israel have also accused the army of not giving equal treatment to female soldiers and officers, citing the fact that certain positions are not open to women and the low number of female officers, especially in higher ranks.[ref] Numerous positions, however, were opened to women following appeals and lawsuits, notably the Alice Miller v. Ministry of Defense case in 1994 after which women were first permitted to take the combat pilots' course.[ref]

Everything else

See also, references and external links, as in every article