IDF announces new light infantry division based on volunteer reservists

The Israel Defense Forces details plans to form a new light infantry division based on volunteer reservists for patrol and routine security, including during periods of escalation across the country.

The 96th Division, also known as the David Division, will be composed of five regional brigades, manned based on where the soldiers live.

The IDF says the division’s missions will be largely related to border defense, including on the border with Jordan and the West Bank security barrier. The division will also operate in the West Bank if needed, and its members will be able to respond to sudden events in their respective regions.

The division is being established by Maj. Gen. (res.) Moti Almoz, who has already appointed all of the five brigade commanders and 25 battalion commanders, along with around 100 of the 125 company commanders. The planned 15,000 soldiers who will man the division will be between the ages of 38 and 58, with 80% being volunteers.

Thousands of former combat and combat support soldiers have already signed up to be part of the division, according to the military.

Two unique battalions in the brigades include one made up of Bedouin soldiers and another based on ex-Navy sailors (currently, the vast majority of soldiers who served in the Navy don’t serve in the reserves).

The IDF plans that by the end of 2025, all 25 brigades will be fully established.