Author: Major General Nitsan Alon PDF: Operational Challenges in Ground Operations in Urban Areas: An IDF Perspective Abstract/Intro: The Israel Defense Forces (the IDF) is well versed in conducting ground operations. Since its inception along with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the IDF has conducted a number of ground operations, as part of conflicts both long and short, against various actors, and in different circumstances. The Independence War of 1948,