Harel Brigade

Harel Brigade (Hebrew: חטיבת הראל‎, Hativat Harel) is a reserve brigade of the Israel Defense Forces, today part of the Northern Command. It played a critical role in the 1948 Palestine war.

History

War of Independence

The Harel Brigade was established on 16 April 1948 as a division of the Palmach, immediately after Operation Nachshon. It was composed of three battalions, 1,400 men, which had fought in Operation Nachshon in the Jerusalem area. Therefore, its name Harel ("Mountain of God") is taken from mount Zion in Jerusalem. This infantry unit was headed by Yitzhak Rabin, who was appointed its first commander. During the early phase of the 1948 Palestine War (Israeli war of independence), the Palmach units became tactical combat units. In April 1948, the Harel brigade (AKA the 10th brigade) was formed to command all units in the Jerusalem corridor and hills. The Brigade's main assignments were twofold: