162nd Division (IDF)

Soldiers of the Valley Brigade during a surprise exercise

The Israel Defense Forces 162nd Armor Division, also known as the Steel Formation (Hebrew: עֻצְבַּת הַפְּלָדָה‎, Utzbat HaPlada), is a regular-service armor division in the IDF. It is subordinate to the Central Regional Command. The division is led by Brigadier-General Moti Baruch.

It played a critical role in the 1973 Yom Kippur War in the Sinai under Abraham Adan.

Although attached to the Central Command, the 162nd Division participated in battles against Hezbollah, from July to August 2006, in the western sector of southern Lebanon and north of Bint Jbail. The division reached the strategic Litani River, that separates Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon from central Lebanon. The division participated in additional skirmishes with Hezbollah as late as September 27.

Units

Structure 162nd Armor Division

• 401st "I'kvot Ha-Barzel"/"Iron Trails" Armor Brigade
• 933rd "Nahal" Infantry Brigade
• 900th "Kfir"/"Young Lion" Infantry Brigade (Battalions are operatively attached to the regional brigades in the West Bank Division)
• Armor Brigade "Fist & Lance" (Reserve)
• 417th "Jordan Valley" (Territorial) Brigade (sometimes called: "Arie"/"Lion" Brigade)
• 215th "Kala David"/"Sling of David" Artillery Brigade
  • Artillery Battalion (M109 "Doher")
  • Artillery Battalion (M109 "Doher")
  • Target Acquisition Company
• Signal Battalion