The Golani Brigade חטיבת גולני (aka. Brigade No. 1) is an infantry brigade that was formed February 28, 1948 when the Levanoni Brigade in the upper Galilee was divided in two smaller brigades. It is the most highly decorated infantry unit in the IDF.

After the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, the Golani Brigade participated in a number of reprisal raids in the first part of the 1950s. In 1951 against Syria. In October 1955 in a joint operation with the Paratroopers Brigade against Egypt.

In the 1956 Sinai Campaign the brigade's task was to capture the area around the city Rafah in the Sinai desert.

The symbol of the brigade is a green tree with its roots on a brown background. Its soldiers are designated by brown berets.

In the upper Galilee located north of Haifa at the Golani Junction stands the Golani Brigade Museum commemorating the brigade and its heroes.

Golani is the most veteran IDF brigade and earned a reputation for its die-hard soldiers: who tend to be fearless, impulsive and warm. On the good side, these qualities are expressed in braveness, thoughness and quick response - producing excellent warriors who can handle the hardest situation. Golani is known for its high "warrior commeradship" among the troops and enjoy good reputation among Israeli public. On the bad side, these qualities are expressed in recklessness and lack of discipline. During the late 1990's, two Golani company-size units revolted against their officers, left their posts in the field, and went home. Over 70 were jailed and both companies, one known as the "Mustangs" containing many Sayaret Golani combat veterans, were disbanded.

Golani Brigade is equipped with the heavy IDF Achzarit armored personnel carrier.

As for 2004, Golani operates within the northern border of Israel and in Samaria (north part, mainly Jenin). During 2004, Golani battalion reinforced the Givati Brigade in the Gaza Strip.

Battalions of the Golani Brigade

• Barak Battalion
• Gideon Battalion
• "Golani Buds"
• The Egoz Reconnaissance Unit (a company)
• The First Breachers' Battalion

Commanders of the Golani Brigade

• 1949-1950, Ariel Sharon
• 1986-1988, Gaby Ashkenazi
• 1989-1991, Yair Naveh , photo
• 1993-1995, Moshe Kaplinsky
• 1995-1997, Meir Klifi
• 1999-2001, Shmuel Zakai
• 2001-current, Moshe Tamir ,,photo
• Avihu Ya'akov ,, photo

Golani Brigade in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war

List of Israeli military operations in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that the Golani Brigade participated in

• Operation Assaf
• Operation Dekel (only elements of the brigade participated)
• Operation Hiram
• Operation Horev
• Operation Ovdah
• Operation Yiftach

List of Palestinian towns and villaged captured by the Golani Brigade in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war

See also

• List of Israeli military operations in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war

External links & References

• Golani Engineering Battalion - site of Golani reservists
• http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/golani_brigade.html