Watch Life by the Sword: The Israel Defense Forces

Life by the Sword: The Israel Defense Forces is a gripping military documentary series from Total Content Digital that explores the history, training, and operations of one of the world's most feared and respected military forces: the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The series tells the story of the IDF through the eyes of its soldiers, offering an intimate and personal perspective on the challenges and sacrifices of defending Israel against threats both domestic and foreign.

Over the course of six episodes, Life by the Sword traces the evolution of the IDF from its origins as a ragtag group of Jewish militias fighting for survival against Arab armies in 1948, to its current status as a highly trained and technologically advanced military force that is capable of defending Israel against multiple simultaneous threats. The series examines key moments in the IDF's history, such as the 1967 Six Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and more recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, exploring the tactics and strategies used by the IDF to achieve victory.

One of the unique features of Life by the Sword is its focus on the soldiers themselves. The series gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of IDF soldiers, both on and off the battlefield. Through interviews with current and former soldiers, the series explores the motivation and dedication that drive IDF soldiers to put their lives on the line every day. We hear from soldiers who have experienced the trauma of combat, and also from those who have lost friends and colleagues in the line of duty.

The series also highlights the training and preparation that goes into creating an IDF soldier. Viewers get an inside look at the grueling boot camp experience that all IDF recruits undergo, as well as the specialized training that soldiers receive in areas such as combat medicine, urban warfare, and intelligence gathering. We learn about the importance of teamwork and trust within the IDF, and see how soldiers work together to achieve their objectives.

In addition to examining the IDF's history and soldier training, Life by the Sword also delves into some of the controversies and challenges facing the IDF today. For example, the series explores the ethical dilemmas of using drone technology to target enemy combatants, and looks at the impact of the IDF's strict gender segregation policies on the army's effectiveness. These discussions provide a thought-provoking look at the moral and ethical issues that confront military forces in the modern era.

Overall, Life by the Sword: The Israel Defense Forces is a powerful and illuminating series that provides a comprehensive examination of one of the world's most significant military forces. Through its focus on the soldiers themselves, the series highlights the sacrifice and dedication that underpins the IDF's success, and offers a nuanced and complex view of the role that military force plays in the complex political landscape of the Middle East. Whether you're a military buff or simply interested in learning more about the IDF's history and operations, Life by the Sword is a must-see series that will leave you both informed and inspired.

Life by the Sword: The Israel Defense Forces is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between July 20, 2012 and on Total Content Digital