Considering an assessment that Iran has resumed building a factory for precision weapons in Lebanon, the Israeli army will test the largest paratroop drop in years on the upcoming exercise scheduled for mid-2018.

IDF paradrop from Lockheed C-130H Hercules (Picture source: IDF)

The Israel Defense Forces 98th Paratroopers Division, also known as the Fire Formation (Hebrew: עֻצְבַּת הָאֵשׁ‬, Utzbat HaEsh), is a reserve-service infantry division in the Israeli Defense Forces. It is subordinate to the Central Regional Command. The division is composed of the following units: 35th Paratroopers Brigade (Regular) "Flying Serpent", 89th Commando Brigade (Regular) "Oz"/"Courage", 55th Paratroopers Brigade (Reserve) "Hod Ha-Hanit"/"Tip of The Spear", 551st Paratroopers Brigade (Reserve) "Hetzei Ha-Esh"/"Arrows of Fire", 7298 "Yanmam" Airborne Anti-Aircraft Unit, and a division signal battalion.

The Paratroopers Brigade (35th Brigade) is an elite infantry brigade in the Israel Defense Forces. The brigade is under the command of the Central Command, and is subordinate to the 98th Paratroopers Division, also known as Utzbat HaEsh.

The first paratroopers unit in the Israel Defense Forces was established in September 1948. The founder and first commander of the unit was Yoel Palgi, who was a parachutist of the Yishuv during World War II and a member of the Mossad Le'Aliyah Bet. On May 24, 1949, the unit was disbanded, but later in the same year, Yehuda Harari was appointed to reestablish it. The parachute school was then established at the Tel Nof base, which is called Bahad 8. A battalion of 890 soldiers was formed in the framework of the battalion, consisting of two companies.

Some of the Paratroopers Brigade’s most famous wartime actions occurred during the Six Day War in 1967. They played a major role in capturing the city of Jerusalem, which proved to be a major turning point in the war. Specifically, the Paratroopers Brigade captured and controlled the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. These two sites are considered to be very sacred to the Jewish people, and their victory is a major source of honor and pride for Jews everywhere.

This voluntary unit has a storied history of classified and secret missions involving special forces type tactics and strategies. Some of the Paratroopers Brigade’s most famous wartime actions occurred during the Six-Day War in 1967. They played a major role in capturing the city of Jerusalem, which proved to be a major turning point in the war. Specifically, the Paratroopers Brigade captured and controlled the Western Wall and the Temple Mount.

The motto of the Paratroopers Brigade is “Initiate, Lead, Make an Example and Win”. Soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade wear a red beret and red boots. To distinguish themselves from other units, paratroopers wear tunic-styled uniform shirts with a belt on top, in addition to the belt they wear on their pants.

Selection tests for admission to the Paratroopers Brigade ("Gibush Tzanhanim") are held twice a year in April and December. Candidates undergo various physical tests, such as running with sandbags and with a stretcher. Candidates must also demonstrate certain characteristics, such as responsibility, initiative, ability to improvise, etc. The Paratroopers Brigade has also been a major source for the future of Israel in terms of their military officers, authorities, and political leaders.