Manasseh Brigade Honors Reservists After Strategic Shift in West Bank Operations
The Manasseh Brigade recently held its first battalion-wide ceremony since the outbreak of the current war, honoring the dedication and efforts of its reservist fighters who have been central to a strategic military transformation in the West Bank. Senior officers, including Colonel (res.) A., the brigade's chief of staff, and Captain A., the human resources officer, discussed the event and the operational changes that have taken place.
Colonel (res.) A., who returned to the brigade after leaving active duty four years ago, described the significant challenges in reorganizing the reservist forces, which were previously poorly structured. Since October 7, reservists have led major operations, including house-to-house clearing and the capture of the Jenin refugee camp during Operation Gideon’s Sword. Many reservists have accumulated around 500 days of service each, with the colonel himself serving over six consecutive months in the first rotation and participating in multiple subsequent rotations.
The brigade has established continuous military presence throughout the northern Samaria region, significantly improving local security and governance, a concept Colonel A. summarized as "sovereignty." He highlighted ongoing efforts to rebuild and expand settlements, emphasizing that the brigade now controls the area comprehensively.
Captain A. explained that the brigade’s operational approach shifted in January 2025 during Operation Iron Wall, when continuous firepower and a permanent battalion deployment were introduced in Jenin. This marked a move away from short, targeted operations to sustained engagement. The year-end ceremony, titled "From Wall to Wall - Iron Shield," celebrated not only the fighters but also all partners in the region, including local councils, security coordinators, police, emergency medical services, and fire departments.
A preparatory tour involving 11 of the brigade’s 20 commanders from different eras showcased the renewed settlement activity and changes in northern Samaria, which were documented and shared during the event. The ceremony aimed to bring reservists to the same standards as regular forces, strengthening cohesion and contributing directly to the overall war effort. The brigade boasts the highest recruitment rates in its division, reflecting its emphasis on human capital and morale as key to its success.
