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Golani Brigade

The Golani Brigade is the IDF's premier regular infantry unit, renowned for its combat heritage and deep connection to Israeli society. Since its founding in 1948, it has spearheaded major operations, most recently leading the capture of strategic positions in southern Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle and the dismantling of Iranian-funded tunnel networks.

The Zioneer Intelligence Desk
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The Golani Brigade (1st Brigade) is one of the most decorated and storied infantry units in the Israel Defense Forces. Established on February 22, 1948, during the War of Independence, the brigade was formed by splitting the Levanoni Brigade in the Galilee. It is characterized by its brown beret and the olive tree symbol on its tag, representing its deep roots in the land of Israel. Golani is unique for its diverse composition, drawing soldiers from all sectors of Israeli society—secular and religious, urban and rural—fostering a reputation for grit and national resilience.

Historically, the brigade is synonymous with the battle for the Hermon in 1973 and the capture of Beaufort Castle in 1982. In June 2026, the brigade returned to these historic sites, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Under the command of Colonel Adi Ganon, who recently handed over leadership to Colonel Ayub Kiyof, Golani forces recaptured Beaufort Castle. This position provides a critical vantage point over southern Lebanon and northern Israel, representing the deepest Israeli ground incursion in over a quarter-century.

Beyond symbolic victories, Golani units—alongside Maglan and Yahalom—are currently engaged in dismantling a massive, Iran-funded underground terror network beneath the Beaufort Ridge. This network, located six kilometers from Metula, was designed to house hundreds of terrorists and included medical facilities and weapons storage. The brigade's current operations focus on establishing operational control north of the Litani River, a strategic benchmark for Israeli security. The cost of these operations remains high, with the brigade continuing to face threats from Hezbollah's explosive drone units as it works to secure Israel's northern border.

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Full Reports

  • IDF Within Kilometers of Nabatieh, Awaits Political Decision on Offensive Depth

    The IDF's 36th Division has advanced to within a few kilometers of Nabatieh, the third-largest city in southern Lebanon and a primary Hezbollah stronghold, according to military officials. The push follows a sophisticated tactical maneuver that saw Israeli forces cross the Litani River undetected, placing them in a position to either enter the city or pivot westward to continue clearing operations along the riverbank. The military currently awaits a directive from the political echelon regarding the depth and scope of the next phase of the offensive.

  • Inside Hezbollah's Underground Fortress: IDF Exposes Iran-Funded Tunnel City Beneath Beaufort Ridge

    The IDF has publicly revealed a large-scale Hezbollah underground tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon — a complex of shafts, living quarters, weapons depots, and medical facilities that the Israeli military says was planned and fully funded by Iran, built over more than a decade, and positioned just six kilometers from the Israeli town of Metula.

  • Inside Hezbollah's Underground Fortress: IDF Exposes Iranian-Funded Tunnel Network Six Kilometers from Metula

    The Israel Defense Forces have exposed a large Hezbollah tunnel network buried beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon — just six kilometers from the Israeli town of Metula. Planned and funded by Iran, the underground complex was designed to shelter hundreds of operatives for extended periods, and was actively used to launch drones and missiles at Israeli forces and Israeli territory.

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