IDF infantry brigade preparing for potential fall turmoil

With the IDF's August 2011 draft in full swing, hundreds of new recruits began their journey on Wednesday to earn the coveted purple beret of the prestigious Givati Infantry Brigade, which is preparing for potential turmoil in September resulting from the upcoming Palestinian statehood bid at the United Nations.

Brigade Commander Col. Ofer Levy sat down with Israel Hayom, as part of the IDF's and Israel Hayom's coverage of the draft, to discuss his newest troops.

"In many respects, today's soldiers are better than they were in the past. They're motivated and the men themselves are excellent." Levy told Israel Hayom. "Those who complete training and become combat soldiers are among Israel's finest."

With the expected Palestinian bid for statehood at the U.N. in September, the Givati Brigade is aware of the potential for an uprising and is training accordingly. "The soldiers were in the West Bank for Nakba Day [when Palestinians lament Israel's creation]. While most of the commanders were not in the riots during the early 2000s, they are trained for the scenario," Levy said. "Givati is a military unit capable of handling any mission it receives."

The Givati Brigade was founded in 1947 and played an active part in the 1948 War of Independence. The brigade was dismantled in 1956, only to be reborn in 1983 as an amphibious fighting force during the First Lebanon War. Since 1999 Givati has been primarily stationed in the south, on dry land. Givati troops handled the brunt of the fight in the Gaza Strip during the second Intifada, performing thousands of sorties against terror cells. Recently, the brigade begin rotating out of the south and holding the line on other fronts in Israel.

While originally under GOC Southern Command, Givati has expanded its focus to prepare for fighting in the north. The Brigade has been taking part in large-scale exercises in the Golan Heights, and is on operational stand-by in case of any event along the northern border.

A recent incident in which a soldier was wounded by friendly fire put a damper on training. "A well-trained force executed a new kind of exercise and made a mistake," Levy explained. "The exercise was complex, and what happened, happened. I am happy to say that the soldier received proper field care and has recovered since."

Givati's reputation and popularity was apparent during the draft process. Many new recruits want the privilege of wearing the purple beret. "It wasn't always like this," Levy said. "The brigade solidified its image as the leader in combat ability on all fronts. On our bases where we're stationed, we are told that our battalions are the best they've seen," he added.

A new elite unit, Sayeret Rimon, has also formed within the brigade, adding to its desirability. The unit will serve the GOC Southern Command as a pursuit and interception force with versatile anti-terror capabilities. "Rimon is in very high demand," Levy said.

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