The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday the establishment of two new battalions within the Golani and Nahal infantry brigades. This strategic move is designed to expand the standing Ground Forces and improve their operational readiness.
The new units are the 11th Alon Battalion, assigned to the Golani Brigade, and the 935th Nofekh Battalion, assigned to the Nahal Brigade. Both formations will function as reconnaissance-strike units. Their primary mission involves identifying and neutralizing enemy targets in real time.
According to the military, the decision follows staff work conducted by the Ground Forces and the Personnel Directorate. These plans were recently approved by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The army stated that these battalions will act as force multipliers, aiming to strengthen the capabilities of combat troops on the ground.
The IDF emphasized that the new units will allow for optimal use of combat personnel while adapting to changing operational needs. The battalions are currently in the process of being established. Full details regarding their structure and roles have not yet been finalized and will be communicated to the serving troops once the plans are complete.
These new battalions will specialize in the operation of drones, robotics, surveillance systems, and other visual intelligence tools. They will also utilize advanced weaponry and precision-guided munitions. The goal is to significantly improve reconnaissance and attack capabilities on the battlefield.
Currently, both the Golani and Nahal brigades consist of four infantry battalions each, including an elite reconnaissance unit. The addition of the new units will expand each brigade to a total of five battalions.
Since assuming the role of military chief in March 2025, Lt. Gen. Zamir has prioritized expanding the standing Ground Forces. This effort aims to alleviate the pressure on the reserve army, which has experienced significant burnout during recent conflicts. The expansion also seeks to reverse a two-decade trend of reducing military size, a trend that has been challenged by a growing range of operations in recent years.
The military is also engaged in other expansion initiatives. It is currently reviving the 500th Armored Brigade, a tank unit that was closed in 2003. Last month, Zamir appointed the first commander for this newly opened unit. This move complements the formation of the new reconnaissance battalions.
Earlier this year, the IDF formed a new combat division composed of all Ground Forces training units. This 38th Division can be activated in times of war for operations. It includes the School for Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commanders, the Bahad 1 officers’ school, and training schools for the Armored, Artillery, Combat Engineering, and Border Defense Corps.
