The
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has a unique rank structure. Because the IDF is an integrated force, ranks are the same in all services (there is no differentiation between army, navy, air force, etc.) The ranks are derived from those of the paramilitary
Haganah developed in the
Mandate period to protect the
Yishuv. This origin is reflected in the slightly compacted rank structure; for instance, the
Chief of Staff (
rosh ha'mate ha'klali, or
ramatkal) is seemingly only equivalent to a
lieutenant general in other militaries.