Over the past ten years, the unit has been combating terror in countless clandestine operations, "The unit operates out of a sense of duty and concern for the public"
Date: 16/07/2012, 1:55 PM
Author: Hadas Duvedani
The Givati reconnaissance battalion celebrated a decade of activity characterized by unparalleled operational capabilities in some of the most significant and classified missions. The unit played a key role in Operation Cast Lead in 2008, carried out countless arrests of terrorists in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip, and more.
"The unit has fighting spirit, and serves the States of Israel and its people. The unit operates out of a sense of duty and concern for the public, leading the Givati infantry Brigade," said battalion commander, Lt. Col. Eliad Maor.
All combat soldiers serving in the reconnaissance battalion, whether still in training or engaged in operational activity, celebrated the battalion's tenth anniversary. Former commander of the unit, and current commander of the Southern Gaza Division, Maj. Gen. Ofer Vinter, said "I had the privilege to command over the reconnaissance company when it was established, and received an exceptionally powerful unit. The unit partook in operations unlike any previous or future mission."
Established during the Second Intifada, when Palestinian terrorists carried countless attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, Givati Reconnaissance battalion specialized in urban warfare. The soldiers were thus entrusted with missions targeting terror sites in the Gaza Strip. Most notably, the unit played a key role in Operation Cast Lead.
This was also the situation in 2006, following the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. The Givati Brigade was the first regular brigade to enter the Gaza Strip on the day of the kidnapping – aiming to free Shalit, to reduce rocket fire by terrorists, and to undermine terror organizations in the Gaza Strip. The achievements that the unit has recorded since then include damaging terror organizations, carrying out arrests and seizures, surrounding enemy forces, locating smuggling tunnels used by terrorists, taking control of rocket launch sites, performing stake-outs, scanning areas for weapons, and consistently protecting the border between Israel and Gaza.
"Following years of combat in Gaza, where we have seen too many operational achievements to list here, many people owe their lives to these soldiers – without even realizing it. This is a young unit, yet the battalion looks like it has been around for a very long time. It isn't clear how all of this has happened in a decade," said Givati Brigade commander Col. Ofer Levy.
"The high quality that the battalion brings enabled the formation of Sayeret Rimon. The battalion displays high operational ability in the face of every challenge that they face, and I consider the soldiers of the reconnaissance battalion to be the best soldiers that you can find in the army," he continued. "They have the ability to carry out the most complex operations, yet they are also at their best in routine activity. For that, I commend the soldiers and their commanders."