340th Division (Israel)


The 340th "Idan" Armoured Division was an Israel Defense Forces reserve division. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Regional Command and is located in Camp Nachshonim. On September 15, 2020, the division was closed. Its last commander was Avi Rosenfeld.

History

Formerly the 880th Division, it was founded in 1974 as a reserve division following the Yom Kippur War. In 1982, during the First Lebanon War, the division, which included three armored brigades, remained in command reserve, and entered the eastern front during the Battle of Sultan Yacoub. In 2002, during Operation Defensive Shield, it was responsible for the military occupation of Jenin. In 2005, the unit was responsible for evacuating the northern Gaza Strip during the disengagement plan. Between 2005 and 2010, its commander was also the IDF's Chief Armor Officer, but in April 2010, these roles were separated. Also, in 2010, the division was awarded first place in the Ramatkal prize for distinguished reserve units.
In 2014, the division underwent reorganization aimed at turning it from an armored division into a light, multi-front division that specializes in counter-terrorism and urban warfare.

Units

340th "Idan" Division