The new division on the Jordan border: Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi chose today (Monday) Brigadier General Oren Simcha, former commander of the Nahal Brigade, for the position of commander of the new Eastern Division being established in the IDF these days.
Colonel Simcha, who is returning from studies abroad and did not hold an official position during the war, has been waiting for a promotion – and it has now been decided to promote him to the rank of Brigadier General and appoint him as the commander of the new division. Additionally, the Chief of Staff also appointed a new head of the Manpower Directorate today.
As mentioned, Defense Minister Gallant and Chief of Staff Halevi recently approved the establishment of the "Eastern Territorial Division," with its designated purpose being the defense of Israel's eastern border.
According to the IDF spokesperson, the decision was made after "staff work that examined the operational needs and defense capabilities in the area, in accordance with the IDF's force-building plan in light of the lessons of the war and the situation assessment." The division will fall under Central Command, similar to the forces operating in the Judea and Samaria area.
According to the IDF and the Ministry of Defense, "the division's purpose is to strengthen the defense in the border area, Highway 90, and the settlements." The division's tasks will include: dealing with a terrorist incident, preventing the smuggling of weapons and other tools, while maintaining peaceful relations at the border and increasing cooperation with the Jordanian army.
The Chief of Staff said after the announcement of the division's establishment that "strengthening border defense in general and the eastern border in particular was marked as a goal before the war, and in light of the events of 7/10 and the recent events, it has gained additional significance." Additionally, there is an urgent need to establish additional frameworks in regular and reserve forces to alleviate the burden on reserve personnel. In light of this, we have decided to establish a division to strengthen the defense on the eastern border. This is a necessary decision in light of the expected challenges and in accordance with the IDF's force-building processes.