Offers a complete history of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), tracing it from its beginnings in Palestine in the early 1900s to the present day. Examines Israeli conflicts, debunks prominent myths about the IDF, and includes in-depth profiles of Israeli soldiers and leaders, as well as their Arab counterparts. While detailing the accomplishments of the Israeli armed forces, material also investigates the erosion of morale in the modern IDF. Annotation c. Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)