The IDF is grouping four special-operations units into a newly established ‘commando brigade.’ The four units include Maglan, specializing in deep operations; Duvdevan, specializing in undercover operations in the West Bank; Egoz, specializing in counter-guerilla warfare oriented toward the Lebanese front; and Rimon, specializing in desert operations.
Three special-operations units – the GHQ unit (Unit 269 Matkal), the naval Commandos, (No. 13 Flotilla) and Shaldag (the Air Forces’ special-operations unit 5101) will continue to operate independently.
In recent years most of these units operated extensively, in peacetime and during wide-scale combat operations, under brigade or regional commands, with each unit applying its particular specialization. Grouping them together in a brigade framework will enable the IDF to optimize their effectiveness and enhance support for their special needs. The four units are expected to retain their regional and operational specializations, while maintaining unique special operations capabilities as an inherent asset of the No. 98 (Reserve) Division – the only division in the IDF which specializes in amphibious, air-mobile and deep-battle capabilities, employing indirect firepower and maneuver.
Lt. General Gadi Eizenkot, IDF Chief of Staff, assigned Col. David Zeini to command the new brigade
