Childhood Neighbors Rise to Lead Elite IDF Units

Two officers, Bar Bashan and Ayub Kayouf, who began their military service together in the elite Shaldag Unit in November 2003, are set to command two of the Israel Defense Forces' five infantry brigades. Bashan will become the next commander of the Givati Brigade in about six months, while Kayouf has been commanding the Golani Brigade for several months. Both officers grew up as neighbors in northern Israel but did not meet until their IDF enlistment.

Their careers have been closely intertwined since their time in Shaldag, progressing through training, command courses, company command, and eventually commanding the unit itself. Kayouf, the first Druze officer to command Shaldag, was succeeded by Bashan. Their parallel paths highlight Shaldag's role in developing commanders for broader roles within the IDF.

The article also details Shaldag's significant contributions and heavy losses during the recent conflict, including its involvement in the October 7th attacks and subsequent operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The unit suffered 14 fatalities and faced scrutiny over its actions in Be'eri on October 7th, though the article defends the soldiers' performance under extreme duress. Shaldag's operations have included complex missions like the one at Shifa Hospital and the daring "Many Roads" operation deep in Syria, targeting an Iranian-backed precision missile site.

Shaldag's success is attributed to its ability to integrate intelligence, technology, and ground forces for deep-penetration operations. The unit's commanders recognized Bashan and Kayouf's potential early on, guiding them toward significant command roles both within and outside Shaldag. This approach aims to equip promising officers with the experience needed for larger command responsibilities in the IDF's maneuver corps.

Bashan and Kayouf's career trajectory, moving between special forces and infantry brigades, exemplifies Shaldag's strategy of cultivating leaders for key positions across the military. Their future potential is seen as reaching the General Staff, possibly even competing for the role of Chief of Staff. Their current appointments to lead major infantry brigades mark a new phase, testing their ability to command large forces and manage extensive logistical and operational challenges.