Tag Archive for Druze Battalion

| May 27, 2015
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Druze reservists angry over IDF’s decision to disband battalion

Druze reservists threaten to petition High Court and hold demonstrations outside the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv if decision isn’t reversed.

By Yossi Yehoshua

 

High-ranking Druze reservists opposed to the move have sent a harshly worded letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which they call on him to intervene. The Druze officers warn that if the decision is not rescinded, they will petition the High Court of Justice and stage demonstrations outside the Kirya base in Tel Aviv.

IDF's Druze Herev Battalion during exercise - Photo: IsraelandStuf/PPMembers of all-Druze Herev Battalion during exercise protecting Northern settlement on border with Lebanon – Photo: IsraelandStuff/PP

Herev was formed in 1974 and around 400 Druze soldiers currently serve in the battalion, which is involved primarily in routine security duties along the border with Lebanon. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,
| May 18, 2015
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Dep. Minister Kara Distraught Over Decision to Terminate Druze Battalion

MK Ayoub Kara opposes Chief of Staff’s decision to shut down ethnic unit, as most Druze recruits would rather integrate into the IDF like other soldiers do.

By Yishai Karov & Gil Ronen

 

Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara is upset over the decision by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, to shut down the Druze Battalion.

The decision to close down the battalion after 40 years of existence was reported Monday on the IDF Website.

Eizenkot’s decision “does a disservice to the heritage and past of one of the IDF’s most important and fascinating units,” he said, “despite the desire for change and integration among the young Druze, which I support.” Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| November 29, 2013
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3 Druze soldiers kept from entering nuclear facility

 

Despite impeccable enlistment record, three Druze IDF soldiers suffered discrimination.

Evidence reveals the IAF Druze soldiers were barred from entering Dimona nuclear research center for 30 minutes until security investigation was completed.

By Yossi Yoshuah

 

Israel‘s Druze community surpasses Jews in their percentage of IDF enlistment and the minority group will soon mark a milestone when Colonel Ghassan Alian will take command of the Golani Brigade – yet conscripted Druze still suffer discrimination within the army.

The Nuclear Research Center in Dimona – Archives: AFP

A Yedioth Aharonoth report based on undercover recordings revealed that there are those that are still skeptical of the Druze soldier’s loyalties and barred IAF Druze soldiers from joining their Jewish comrades in a military exercise in the sensitive Dimona nuclear center. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , ,
| July 5, 2013
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IDF’s Druze Herev Battalion Tests New Fighting Techniques for Engaging Hezbollah

Israel’s Druze battalion developed successful techniques for fighting Hezbollah, based on years of experience operating on Israel’s northern border & including the Lebanon War II.

In a battalion-wide exercise last week the battalion’s new methods were tested.

By IDF Spokesperson’s Office

 

The IDF’s Herev Battalion, made up of members of Israel’s Druze community, has gained many years of experience performing unique missions near the Israel-Lebanon border. In the 2006 Second Lebanon War, for instance, Herev was the first force to cross the border and the last to return – exhausted from completing a range of complex missions that earned the unit a citation. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , ,