Kfir Brigade
The 900th "Kfir" Brigade, is the youngest and largest infantry brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. It is subordinate to the 99th "Flash" Infantry Division of Israel's Central Regional Command.
The brigade is currently deployed in the West Bank where its primary missions include counter-terror operations, apprehension of Palestinian militants, raids, patrols, manning checkpoints and regular security activities. Before Israel's 2005 disengagement from Gaza, Kfir units were also stationed in the Gaza Strip.
History
In the 1990s the IDF formed the Designated Infantry Battalions, also known as the "90s Battalions", as auxiliary troops accompanying its armored forces. In December 2005, these were unified into a single regular-service brigade commanded by Colonel Eyal Nosovski.In 2018, the Kfir Brigade participated in field exercises to simulate fighting in the Gaza Strip against Hamas fighters. In 2019, Kfir Brigade were reported to be deployed in the Gaza Strip.
In 2020, the IDF announced plans to make the brigade into a superior infantry unit by receiving additional weaponry, personnel, vehicles and training.
Colonel Sharon Altit was named as the brigade's commanding officer in May 2021, replacing Colonel Eran Uliel.
Controversy
Kfir soldiers have been reported to have refused to remove Israelis living in the West Bank.Brigade organization
- 900th Infantry Brigade "Kfir"
- * 90th Infantry Battalion "Nahshon"
- * 92nd Infantry Battalion "Shimshon"
- * Patrol Battalion "Haruv"
- * 94th Infantry Battalion "Duchifat"
- * 97th Infantry Battalion "Netzah Yehuda"
- * Logistics Battalion
- * Signals Company
- 96th Infantry Battalion "Lavi", disbanded in July 2015.
Personnel
In order to attract recruits to the brigade, the Israel Defense Forces decided that to join the elite Sayeret Oketz or Sayeret LOTAR recruits must choose Kfir as their first priority in the draft request form and during recruit training go through a selection process. Those who do not pass the selection process continue to serve in the Kfir Brigade.
They are allowed to wear their camo beret and red-brown combat boots.