[IsraelTimes] New David Division to be tasked with defense of the Jordan border or West Bank barrier; members will keep weapons at home, be able to respond to sudden events in their area
The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday detailed its plans to form a new light infantry division based on volunteer reservists for patrol and routine security, including during periods of escalation across the country.
The 96th Division, also known as the David Division, is to be composed of five regional brigades based on where the soldiers reside rather than for regional defense.
The IDF said the division’s missions would be largely related to defense on the border with Jordan and along the West Bank security barrier. The division would also operate in the West Bank if needed.
The division’s members would be ready to respond to sudden events in their respective regions, as they are slated to keep their weapons and equipment at their homes, unlike other reservists who return their gear to the army when leaving reserve duty.
The division was being established by Maj. Gen. (res.) Moti Almoz, who, along with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has so far appointed all of the five brigade commanders and 25 battalion commanders, along with around 100 of the 125 company commanders.
The first division commander will be Brig. Gen. Oren Simcha, who is also responsible for the IDF’s new Eastern Regional Divison.
The commanders of the brigades include Col. Yehuda Levin, who will head the 189th Negba Brigade, made up of troops from southern Israel; Col. Shai Babad, who will head the 187th Yonatan Brigade, made up of troops from the Shfela region; Col. Elad Tahori, who will head the 186th Yizraeli Brigade, made up of troops from the Jezreel Valley; Col. Dudu Cohen, who will head the 182nd Ori Brigade, made up of troops from the Jerusalem area; and Col. Ori Levin, who will head the Galil-Golan Brigade, made up of troops from the Galilee and Golan Heights.
The planned 15,000 soldiers who will man the division will be between the ages of 38 and 58 — above the current age of exemption from reserve duty which is 40 for most — with 80 percent being volunteers.
Thousands of former combat and combat support soldiers have already volunteered to be part of the division, according to the military.
Two unique battalions in the brigades include one composed of Bedouin soldiers, and another based on ex-Navy sailors. (Currently, the vast majority of soldiers who served in the Navy don’t serve in reserves, as there are few reserve roles in the Navy.)
The military is also considering making one of the battalions co-ed if enough female volunteers seek to serve in the division.
The IDF plans that by the end of 2025, all 25 brigades will be fully established.
Speaking at an event on Monday night, Halevi said "In this war, we learned that the IDF needs to be bigger, broader, in the face of difficult situations and long wars."
"It will be necessary to convince and bring in enough people and train them, but we have the right spirit, and an understanding of the need," the IDF chief said. 
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