Hanan Greenwood
Israel Hayom, June 29, 2025
“… the IDF is introducing a new strategic initiative under the Gilad Division: the formation of “David Brigades,” regional defense units designed to secure areas deep within Israel’s interior that have previously lacked sufficient protection.”
The Israeli military believes that the greatest security threat to Israel in the coming years is likely to shift from the north and south to the eastern border, to Jordan.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, after its setbacks in other arenas, Iran is expected to focus on undermining Jordanian stability. Tehran’s goal is to turn Jordan into a new platform for its proxy forces against Israel. While the Israel-Jordan border has long been relatively quiet, mostly plagued by smuggling, a recently uncovered network aimed at destabilizing Jordan – a long-standing strategic partner of Israel – has raised serious concerns. The IDF recognizes that close security cooperation with Jordan is not sufficient on its own.
The military’s response to this emerging threat is the rapid operational deployment of Division 96, also known as the Gilad Division, under the command of Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha. Initially scheduled to become active months from now, the division was quickly mobilized following the outbreak of Operation Rising Lion, highlighting the urgent need to reinforce Israel’s eastern border.
Division 96 is tasked with defending Israel’s longest border, which stretches for hundreds of kilometers. Its most recent deployment included the 417th Jordan Valley Regional Brigade and a reserve infantry brigade. Additionally, the IDF is introducing a new strategic initiative under the Gilad Division: the formation of “David Brigades,” regional defense units designed to secure areas deep within Israel’s interior that have previously lacked sufficient protection. ….SOURCE