Information About

Aluf




''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), which is the highest position within the IDF.

Israel is essentially a land power, and its navy is not a separate service. Consequently, there are no separate naval ranks, and "aluf" can be an admiral as well as a general.

The term "Aluf" 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.

Lower ranks of Aluf also exist within the IDF. They are '' Sgan Aluf '' ( Lieutenant Colonel ) and '' Aluf Mishneh '' ( Colonel ).