Kfir Brigade
{{short description|Israeli military infantry brigade}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 900th "Kfir" Brigade
| image = Logo hativa 900.png
| image_size = 120
| caption =
| country = {{Flag|Israel}}
| allegiance = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Israel Defense Forces.svg|size=23px}} Israel Defense Forces
| type = Infantry
| branch = {{army|Israel}}
| dates = 2005–present
| specialization = Counter-terrorism urban warfare
| command_structure = 99th Infantry Division he
| size = Headquarters, 4 infantry battalions and a training battalion, one special forces battalion, one communications detachment
| current_commander = Colonel Sharon Altit
| garrison = Kfir Training Base – Bach Kfir
| ceremonial_chief =
| nickname = "Young Lions"
| motto =
| colors = Spotted beret, camouflage and white striped flagFile:Flag of the Israeli Kfir Brigade.svg
| march =
| website = http://www.kfir-idf.org/
| battles = Operation Hot Winter
| notable_commanders =
| anniversaries =
}}
The 900th "Kfir" Brigade ({{langx|he|חֲטִיבַת כְּפִיר}}, lit. "Lion Cub Brigade"),{{Cite web |title=Israeli 'Terminator' stirs debate – DW – 11/07/2015 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/israeli-army-releases-photo-of-a-soldier-praised-as-the-terminator/a-18834085 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=dw.com |language=en}} is the youngest and largest infantry brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. It is subordinate to the 99th "Flash" Infantry Division (Reserve) 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.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1044&context=incmdoc_etd {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8185&context=nwc-review {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}} Before Israel's 2005 disengagement from Gaza, Kfir units were also stationed in the Gaza Strip.
History
File:Iron Swords-Kfir-0001.jpg in February 2024]]
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.{{cite web | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/kfir-brigade-simulates-war-in-gaza-ahead-of-deployment-there-next-year/ | title=IDF's Kfir Brigade simulates war in Gaza ahead of deployment to border next year | website=The Times of Israel }} In 2019, Kfir Brigade were reported to be deployed in the Gaza Strip.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-04 |title=IDF Kfir Brigade ends anti-terror exercise ahead of Gaza Strip deployment |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/idf-kfir-brigade-ends-anti-terror-exercise-ahead-of-gaza-strip-deployment-597578 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}
In 2020, the IDF announced plans to make the brigade into a superior infantry unit by receiving additional weaponry, personnel, vehicles and training.{{cite web | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-announces-plans-to-turn-kfir-brigade-into-superior-infantry-force/ | title=IDF announces plans to turn Kfir Brigade into 'superior' infantry force | website=The Times of Israel }}
Colonel Sharon Altit was named as the brigade's commanding officer in May 2021, replacing Colonel Eran Uliel.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-28 |title=IDF Col. Sharon Altit named as new commander of Kfir Brigade |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/idf-col-sharon-altit-named-as-new-commander-of-kfir-brigade-669469 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}
=Controversy=
Kfir soldiers have been reported to have refused to remove Israelis living in the West Bank.{{Cite web |date=2009-12-20 |title=Israeli leaders condemn mosque attack |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34497324 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206175614/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34497324 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Boudreaux |first=Richard |date=2009-10-24 |title=Israel military to punish soldiers for pro-settler protest |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-24-fg-israel-conscripts24-story.html |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}
Brigade organization
{{tree list}}
- 25px 900th Infantry Brigade "Kfir"
- 90th Infantry Battalion "Nahshon"
- 92nd Infantry Battalion "Shimshon"
- (93rd) Patrol Battalion "Haruv"
- 94th Infantry Battalion "Duchifat"
- 97th Infantry Battalion "Netzah Yehuda"
- Logistics Battalion
- Signals Company
{{tree list/end}}
Disbanded units:
- 96th Infantry Battalion "Lavi", disbanded in July 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.idf.il/1153-22376-he/Dover.aspx|title=Lavi Battalion closing ceremony - IDF Spokesman Site|publisher=Haaretz.com |date=2015-07-01|access-date=2015-09-02}}
Personnel
File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Kfir Soldiers in Training.jpg
Kfir recruits must complete eight months of combat training in order to be received into active service.{{Cite web |title=Netzah Yehuda - Kfir |url=https://nahalharedi.org/units/netzach-yehuda-kfir/ |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=עמותת נצח |language=en-US}} The first four months of training are dedicated to basic training in which the soldiers learn discipline and are introduced to physical fitness and various weapons. After basic training, they receive 3–4 months of advanced training in urban warfare, advanced weaponry, fighting from armored personnel carriers, chemical warfare and other challenges of today's battlefield.
In order to attract recruits to the brigade, the Israel Defense Forces decided that to join the elite Sayeret Oketz (Special K-9 unit) or Sayeret LOTAR (Special counter terrorism unit) 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.{{Cite web |title=Kfir Brigade |url=https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/idf-brigades/kfir/kfir-brigade/ |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=www.idf.il}}
Weapons and gear
Memorial
The brigade's memorial is situated in Afula. The left wing is inscribed with a Bible verse from 2 Samuel 1:23"They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions." and the right wing with a verse from Amos 3:4."Does a lion roar in the thicket, when he has no prey? Does a young lion (kfir) growl in his den, when he has caught nothing?"
Gallery
File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Saluting the Flag.jpg|IDF officers from the Kfir infantry brigade saluting the Israeli flag in a military ceremony, 2011
File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Kfir Brigade IDF Officers Practice Urban Warfare (14).jpg|IDF Kfir Brigade officers practicing urban warfare
File:Afula_Kfir_Brigade_Memorial_IMG_0892.JPG|Memorial in Afula
References
{{reflist}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Israel Defense Forces}}
Category:Military units and formations established in 2005