Aluf

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Aluf (Hebrew: ) is the term used for General and Admiral in the Israel Defense Forces. In addition to the Aluf rank itself, there are four other ranks which are derivatives of the word. Together, they constitute the five highest ranks in the IDF.

Rank order of Aluf and its derivatives

Rav Aluf (Hebrew: ) : Lieutenant General (Chief of the General Staff)

*Aluf: Major General (arms, branches, and regional commands)

:*Tat Aluf (Hebrew: ) : Brigadier General (divisional and corps-level)

::*Aluf Mishne (Hebrew: ) : Colonel (brigade-level)

:::*Sgan Aluf (Hebrew: ) : Lieutenant Colonel (battalion-level)

Rav Aluf is usually translated as "Lieutenant General," but is often considered to equate to a full General, since it is the most senior rank. There can only be one active Rav Aluf at a time and the rank is given only to the Ramatkal (Chief of the General Staff).

Israel is essentially a land power, with the navy being apportioned less than five percent of the military budget. Consequently, there are no separate naval ranks, and "Aluf" can be an Admiral as well as a General.

The term "Aluf" (in Hebrew: "champion") is taken from the Bible, where it was a rank of nobility among the Edomites, ancient Judea's neighbors (and often, enemies) to the south.

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