The Israel Defense Forces have officially inducted its new Commando Brigade, which brings together four elite military units: Maglan, Duvdevan, Egoz and Rimon. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot said the move was necessary to properly counter the threat to Israel by the Islamic State group.

All four are uniquely trained special forces units: Maglan operates deep behind enemy lines, Duvdevan’s forte is undercover urban warfare, Egoz focuses on reconnaissance and counter-guerrilla warfare, and Rimon’s specialty is desert warfare.

Speaking at the brigade’s inauguration ceremony, Eizenkot said, “Looking to the north and seeing the brazen statements made [by Hezbollah] and the overall atmosphere from Lebanon, the threats made by Islamic State commanders in Iraq and Syria, the security escalation we have been dealing with in Judea and Samaria, and the threats on the southern front, we must make the most of our abilities.”

He said the Commando Brigade “will serve as the front guard and represent the ability and spirit of the IDF in the future. I have every confidence that you will be vigilant and ready should we be ordered to fulfill our purpose — to protect and defend the State of Israel, ensure its existence, and, if we are put to the test, defeat any enemy.”

Israel Hayom exclusive to JNS.org