The Kfir Brigade cadets receiving their berets, March '07 . Photo: Combat Documentation, IDF Spokesperson

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The Shimshon battalion, so named after the biblical warrior Samson, was established in 1997 as a Gaza Strip based battalion.  The battalion was formed following the violent riots that erupted due to the Western Wall digs.  The Shimshon battalion is assigned to the Etzion brigade and is responsible for operations in the city of Bethlehem.  In 1989 a smaller Shimshon unit was formed following the eruption of the first Intifada in the Judea Samaria and Gaza regions.

Since then, the battalion has been conducting operations on a constant basis in Bethlehem, near Hebron, in southern Gaza, in the Netzarim settlement (up until the Disengagement), and in northern Gaza.  In recent years the brigade has focused its operations in Bethlehem and in Nablus.  The battalion was responsible for substantially weakening the terrorist infrastructure in Netzarim. In January 2005 the battalion took part in operations to combat terrorist cells that were launching mortars against Israel.

However, the past two years have seen the battalion’s greatest achievement. Throughout 2006-2007 the battalion made more arrests than any other unit in the Central Command.  The battalion’s deputy commander, Major Oren Yitzhakov noted that approximately 600 wanted terrorist operatives were arrested during that time period. 

The battalion’s achievements will be celebrated during a festive ceremony scheduled to be held this coming Tuesday, 18/09, in the Sports Hall in Ashkelon, and will begin at 18:00.  “In the ten years since its establishment, this battalion has undergone many changes,” said Major Yitchakov.  “The battalion was founded with a staff of some of the best commanders in service.  Today’s officers all started out in the battalion - it’s a great feeling to see something you started show such great results on the field.”

The ceremony will be held in the presence of the GOC of the Central Command, Major General Gadi Shamni.  All those who served in the battalion, from its earliest days till now have been invited to attend the event.  “One of our company commanders was killed, and his family and all the families of the fallen will be there as well.  We have lost men on the way, and this celebration is for them, in their honor.”