Orders, decorations, and medals of Israel

Israeli military decorations are the decorations awarded to soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces who exhibit extraordinary bravery and courage. Its decorations consist of the Medal of Valor (the highest decoration in the IDF), the Medal of Courage, and the Medal of Distinguished Service. It also includes the Citations (Tzalash), which are awarded in four classes.

Israel's medal of valor

Two soldiers share the title of being the most decorated soldier of the IDF: Captain Nechemya Cohen (1943–1967), and General Ehud Barak (formerly Chief of Staff, later Prime Minister).^[1]

Decorations

	Medal of Valor (The highest decoration)
	Medal of Courage
	Medal of Distinguished Service
	Hero of Israel Ribbon (1948) (obsolete)

Citations (Tzalash)

Citations are worn on the campaign ribbon when awarded in times of war.

	Chief of Staff (Ramatkal) Citation
	Head of Regional Command (Aluf) Citation
	Divisional Commander Citation
	Brigade Commander Citation

Campaign ribbons, medal and Badge

According to Israel Ministry of Defence, "'Campaign ribbons' are ribbons commemorating a person's participation in war, campaign and combat from the establishment of the State of Israel up to the present day. These ribbons are awarded by authorisation of government, the IDF decorations Act and regulations set up by the Minister of Defense."^[2]

	War of Independence Ribbon
	Sinai War Ribbon
	Six-Day War Ribbon
	War of Attrition Ribbon
	Yom Kippur War Ribbon
	First Lebanon War Ribbon
	Security Zone in Lebanon Ribbon[3]
	Second Lebanon War Ribbon
	Protective Edge Ribbon
	Defence of Jerusalem Badge[4]
	Katamon Medal (1948) (obsolete)

Awards for military service

According to Israel Ministry of Defence, "'Awards for military contribution towards the establishment of the State of Israel' and decorations are awarded by authorisation of government and a ministerial committee for symbols and ceremonies, with the exception of the Nazi Fighter Ribbon which is awarded according to the 'Yad Vashem' regulation in the Remembrance and Holocaust Act, and in addition by the 'status of the Second World War II' Act of 2000."^[5]

	Hashomer Ribbon
	Nili Ribbon
	The Volunteer Ribbon
	Haganah Ribbon
	Mishmar Ribbon
	Etzel Ribbon
	Fighters against Nazis Medal
	Lehi Ribbon

Other medals, awards and ribbons

	Eliyahu Golomb Israel Security Award (right side decoration (highest possible award)
	Mandate Prisoners Decoration (right side decoration)
	IDF Chief of Staff Medal of Appreciation
	Service in Israel Medal
	Decoration of State Warriors (ribbon device)