Crisis in Israel’s elite Golani Brigade in Gaza; 114 killed and troops exhausted

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) – International Service: According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the Golani Brigade, which is known as a symbol of professionalism and bravery among the Zionists and has been present in most of Israel’s wars since its establishment, has suffered significant casualties since the beginning of the invasion of the Gaza Strip.

 

Haaretz reported, citing military sources, that extreme fatigue is clearly visible among the conscripts who bear the main burden of the war. An Israeli soldier emphasized in an interview with the newspaper that the Golani Brigade has failed to properly manage the battlefield in the past year and a half.

 

Four days ago, Israeli sources reported that dozens of former soldiers of the Golani Brigade signed a petition demanding the return of Israeli prisoners, even if it requires an immediate cessation of hostilities. The letter, signed by 458 Golani graduates, states: “The return of the prisoners must be carried out without delay, even if it means an immediate cessation of hostilities.” The letter was also signed by prominent former officers and the parents of a slain soldier.

 

In addition, 315 graduates of the special forces and infantry signed a similar letter, calling the rescue of the prisoners a “moral priority” and calling further delay a threat to their lives, according to Fars.

 

Meanwhile, Israeli Army Radio reported, citing army officers, that only about 60 percent of the reserve forces remained in Gaza, citing fatigue and the hardships of the war. The figures, provided by field officers, contradict official army figures that previously put the reserve force's compliance rate at 85 percent.

 

Israeli media also reported on Sunday that the IDF has sent soldiers to Gaza who have not yet completed their training due to a manpower shortage. Kan reported: "Due to a manpower shortage, a number of soldiers from the Golani and Gifat brigades (of the elite forces) who joined the army four months ago and have not completed their training will be sent to the Gaza Strip."

 

Earlier, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet that "the manpower shortage may limit the army's ability to achieve the goals and plans of the political leadership in Gaza."

 

The Golani Brigade, one of the oldest infantry units in the Israeli army, was established in 1948 and has played an active role in most of the regime's wars. Due to its rigorous training, high combat capability, and long history in field battles, the brigade holds a special place in the Israeli army and is considered a symbol of military professionalism in the public opinion of the regime. Heavy casualties and reports of fatigue pose a serious challenge to this elite brigade and the entire Israeli army in the ongoing Gaza war.