The 932nd "Granite" Battalion is part of the Israeli Defense Force's Nahal Brigade.

932nd Nahal Infantry Battalion (“Granite”)
ActiveJune 1976–present
CountryIsrael
AllegianceIsraeli Defense Force
BranchNachal Infantry Brigade
TypeBattalion
Motto(s)"Granite Battalion Tip of the Spear! החנית חוד גרניט גדוד “
ColorsRed and White
EngagementsOperation Peace for Galilee
Operation Defensive Shield
Second Lebanon War
Commanders
Current
commander
Battalion Commander Yoav Katzanelson
Mivtzayit Alligator Insignia
The MK-19 automatic grenade launcher, carried on the backs of IDF infantry soldiers.
Paintball training
Training of Granite Battalion soldiers, Nov 2010

History

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Battalion 932 was established in June 1976 and until Operation Peace for Galilee functioned as a routine security battalion belonging to Central Command. Its main area of activity before the First Lebanon War was the northern sector of the Jordanian border with the West Bank in the Jordan Valley, replacing Sayeret Haruv which had been disbanded. It was based in Camp Gadi, next to Masua, and manned mainly by Nahal soldiers. During the First Lebanon War the battalion participated in the battle for Ein Zahlat against Syrian commandos and a Syrian armored battalion.[1]

Until the withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 the battalion set up multiple successful outposts and operations, including a cross-border operation, resulting in the elimination of four terrorists, nicknamed "turmeric 3."

The Granite Battalion received the Chief Of Staff (Ramatkal) Medal for its activities during Operation Defensive Shield, especially in the battle for Jenin. During the operation the battalion participated in arrests in Tulkarm, the Balata refugee camp, Nur, Nablus, the refugee camps in Ramallah and Amaary Jenin.

During the Second Lebanon War, Battalion 932 battled Hezbollah fighters in the villages of south Lebanon, including Meiss Ej Jabal, Rab El Thalathine, Qantara and the famous battle in the village of Ghandouriyeh in Wadi Saluki, towards the end of the war.[2]

In Operation Cast Lead of 2008, Battalion 932 hindered a number of attacks originating from the Lebanese and Syrian borders.

In Operation Protective Edge, Battalion 932 fought in the northern Gaza Strip, combating Hamas militants and finding and destroying arms caches hidden in civilian buildings.

Unit

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  • "Palmach" (כבוד) Company
  • "Miztayen" (ראשון) Company
    • Spear Company
    • Reconnaissance Company 1
    • Sniper Platoons
    • Armour Support Company
  • "Masayit" (ארמור) Company
    • Special Unit (מיאוחד) Platoon
    • Cojones (כוחונס) Company
    • Reconnaissance Company 2
  • "Mater" (אימה) Company
  • "Pater" (אבא) Platoon
  • Battalion Medical Personnel

References

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