252nd "Sinai" Division
עוצבת סיני
252nd Division insignia, depicting a fox similar to that of the Southern Commands logo
Founded1968–present
Country Israel
Branch Israeli Ground Forces
SizeDivision
Part ofSouthern Command
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		Tat Aluf Moran Omer

The 252nd "Sinai" Division (Hebrew: עוצבת סיני) is an Israel Defense Forces reserve division under the Southern Command. Formed in 1968, it was the first permanent division in the IDF. As of November 2023, it is commanded by Brigadier General Moran Omer.[1]

History

The unit was created in 1968 in an effort to unify Israeli armoured forces in the Sinai, taking an active part in the War of Attrition. It later took an active part in the Yom Kippur War.[2] During the First Lebanon War, it operated on the eastern wing of the Israeli forces pushing into Lebanon.[3] In the 21st century, the division has been charged with securing the border with Egypt.

The unit played an active role in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war. The Israel Defense Forces said that "the 252nd Division has killed hundreds of Hamas operatives, including senior members, in Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya."

Division organization 2023

252nd Division "Sinai" organization 2023

References

  1. ^ Fabian, Emanuel. "IDF says its entire 252nd Reserve Division is operating inside Gaza". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Testimony of Baruch Harel, Deputy Commander of the Division Before the Agranat Commission," The Israel Defense Forces and Defense Establishment Archives (IDFA), 1974.
  3. ^ The Sinai Division during the Lebanon War" (Hebrew), Ma'arachot, 413, pp.32-39 (July 2007).
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