The IDF is establishing two new infantry battalions in the Golani and Nahal brigades that will specialize in finding and destroying enemy targets in real time, the military announced Monday.
The units are the Alon Battalion (11) in the Golani Brigade and the Nofech Battalion (935) in the Nahal Brigade. Both are currently being formed.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir recently approved the move following staff work by the Ground Forces Command and the Personnel Directorate, as part of a broader effort to expand the Ground Forces’ order of battle.
The new reconnaissance-strike battalions will operate drones, robotics, observation and surveillance systems, advanced weaponry and precision-guided munitions. By combining intelligence gathering with strike capabilities in the same unit, the IDF aims to detect targets in real time, expose hidden enemy forces and close the loop between spotting a target and hitting it faster and more precisely.
According to the IDF, the battalions “will serve as a force multiplier” for combat troops in the field. The initiative is also meant to make better use of combat manpower and adapt the force to changing operational needs.
The move builds on years of efforts to bring drone and precision-strike capabilities down to the infantry level. In December 2024, the Defense Ministry bought drones and autonomous systems from Elbit Systems for about NIS 150 million for intelligence gathering and targeted strikes.
The IDF said not all details have been finalized, and that they will be shared with soldiers once they are.
