The 900th "Kfir" Brigade (, lit. "Lion Cub Brigade"), 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. 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. On December 6, 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 on May 28, 2021, replacing Colonel Eran Uliel.
Controversy
Kfir soldiers have been reported to have refused to remove Israelis living in the West Bank.
In 2012, the Nashlon Brigade was ordered to be disbanded after a Kfir soldier was killed in a hazing event.
Structure
As of 2023, the following are under Kfir Brigade command:
90th Nahshon Battalion, previously assigned to Ephraim Brigade
92nd , previously assigned to Etzion Brigade
93rd , previously assigned to Shomron Brigade. In the beginning of the year 2017, this battalion has been closed and reopened as Sayeret Haruv, which is now the new sayeret (reconnaissance) unit related to Kfir 94th , previously assigned to Binyamin Brigade 97th Netzah Yehuda Battalion (Formerly the Nahal Haredi Battalion)
Former units
96th , previously assigned to Yehuda Brigade, was disbanded in July 2015.
Personnel
Kfir recruits must complete eight months of combat training in order to be received into active service. 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 Tironut go through a selection process. Those who do not pass the selection process continue to serve in Kfir Brigade.
They are allowed to wear their camo beret and red combat boots.
Weapons and gear
The Kfir Brigade uses the M4 Carbine.https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/313041
Memorial
The brigade's memorial is situated in Afula. The left wing is inscribed with a Bible verse from 2 Samuel 1:23 and the right wing with a verse from Amos 3:4.
Gallery
References
Brigades of Israel
Military units and formations established in 2005
Central Command (Israel) Infantry of Israel 2005 establishments in Israel