In 1945 Tzafriri joined the Palmach, and joined the IDF upon its establishment. He fought in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War in the central and Jerusalem fronts, and was wounded during the battle over Ramat Rachel, and once again during the Battle of Latrun. During the war Tzafriri was transferred to the Armor Corps. After the war Tzafriri retired from the army and returned to Givat HaShlosha. In 1950 Tzafriri was re-enlisted to the army as an officer in the Armor Corps.