TEL AVIV, Israel—Israel’s military marked a significant change in its ranks this week as Colonel R officially took command of the IDF’s 35th Paratroopers Brigade, replacing Colonel A, who completed a decisive two-year tenure. The transfer of command, announced by the Israel Defense Forces and observed in an official ceremony, comes at a time of heightened operational tempo and security threats throughout the region.
The Paratroopers Brigade, known for its rapid responsiveness and elite operational standards, remains central to Israel’s current war effort following the October 7, 2023, massacre. That attack, carried out by Hamas terrorists, resulted in the most devastating single day of antisemitic violence since the Holocaust, and led to the Iron Swords War—a campaign waged by Israel against the Iranian-orchestrated axis of terror organizations, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Leadership Transition at a Critical Juncture
Colonel R inherits command of a unit tasked with pivotal ground operations in multiple theaters. Over the past two years under Colonel A, the brigade spearheaded key missions throughout Gaza, played a vital role in the multi-phased response to the October 7 massacre, and contributed to preempting incursions from Hezbollah’s forces along Israel’s northern border. The brigade’s effectiveness and operational discipline have helped safeguard Israeli communities and intercept threats in real time.
The official ceremony, attended by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and senior IDF officials, emphasized the enduring spirit and professional excellence expected from the brigade. According to the IDF, the Paratroopers Brigade remains indispensable in both counterterror and conventional operations, drawing on decades of experience and an ethos of moral responsibility.
Background: Legacy of the Paratroopers Brigade
The 35th Paratroopers Brigade, known as “Tzanhanim,” has stood at the forefront of Israel’s military action since its establishment. Historically, the brigade participated in key operations, such as the Sinai Campaign, the liberation of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War, and the famed Entebbe Raid to rescue Jewish hostages in Uganda. The unit’s record of success and sacrifice underpins its reputation as one of the IDF’s most respected formations.
Today’s Paratroopers combine traditional infantry tactics with integration of advanced technology, real-time intelligence, and interoperability with armored and air support. Field operations now routinely feature Israel’s homegrown battlefield innovations, from Iron Dome missile defense to sophisticated surveillance and cyber-warfare tools.
Evolving Threats: The Challenge of Iranian-Backed Proxies
Colonel R’s appointment is especially relevant as Israel navigates an expanded theatre of conflict. The Iranian regime, through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and aligned proxies, wields influence across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, directly threatening Israel’s sovereignty. The threat from Hamas in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and other militias is multi-dimensional: rocket fire, terrorist infiltration attempts, fortified tunnel networks, and ongoing hostage taking all typify the dangers facing Israeli citizens and military forces.
The Paratroopers Brigade has been central in both offensive and defensive operations. In Gaza, soldiers have been instrumental in capturing and neutralizing terrorist operatives, rescuing hostages when possible, and disrupting the supply and movement of weapons and fighters. Along the northern border, the unit conducts constant patrols and rapid response maneuvers to deter Hezbollah infiltrations and rocket attacks.
Moral Clarity and Professional Standards
The IDF, with units like the Paratroopers Brigade at its core, emphasizes moral and legal discipline in combat. Israeli doctrine distinguishes between terror operatives and non-combatant Gaza residents. The military invests in measures designed to warn civilians and direct them away from conflict zones, even as Hamas and its partners deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations, fueling a persistent humanitarian crisis.
Colonel R’s leadership is expected to reinforce these standards while ensuring operational effectiveness. His prior command roles within the IDF’s special operations community give him both the tactical expertise and ethical grounding for this responsibility. According to senior officers, his appointment underlines the IDF’s commitment to both defending Israeli populations and upholding its values under extreme pressure.
A Strategic Outlook: Integrated Operations and Allied Support
Modern conflict demands cross-domain readiness, and the brigade now trains in urban, rural, and hybrid environments. Collaboration with Israeli Air Force, intelligence units, and the latest Israeli defense technology ensures the Paratroopers Brigade remains versatile. Exercises with the United States and other allied nations further hone rapid deployment and coordination skills, making the brigade a model for joint operations in volatile environments.
The importance of such readiness has only grown as Iran’s axis of terror seeks to exploit and inflame regional instability. The recent period has seen Hezbollah escalating threats in northern Israel and Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq attempting to encroach near Israeli territory. The IDF, with political guidance from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, maintains that operational superiority—combined with determination and ethical resolve—remains the surest guarantor of Israel’s survival.
Looking Forward: Maintaining the Edge
As Israel faces ongoing hostilities, the Paratroopers Brigade will be central to efforts to prevent further attacks, secure Israel’s borders, and, if necessary, conduct operations to recover hostages and remove terror threats. The Iron Swords War is far from over, with the IDF continuing to act against Hamas in Gaza, contain the threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon, and prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria. Colonel R’s stewardship of the Paratroopers Brigade reflects the IDF’s determination to maintain readiness, adaptability, and values-based leadership in this protracted struggle.
In marking this transition, Israel signals both to its citizens and to its adversaries that its armed forces are prepared for the evolving spectrum of threats that define the modern Middle East. The Paratroopers Brigade, seasoned by history and renewed with each generation, stands ready under Colonel R’s command to confront the dangers ahead and ensure the safety and future of the State of Israel.
