IDF Alpine Troops Train on Mount Hermon

Despite being situated in the Middle East and covered mostly in desert, Israel is able to field armed mountaineers on skis

By Israel Today Staff | | Topics: IDF
The Alpinist Unit of the Israel Defense Forces held a special training exercise on Mount Hermon last week and photojournalists were invited to attend.
1 / 7 The Alpinist Unit of the Israel Defense Forces held a special training exercise on Mount Hermon last week and photojournalists were invited to attend. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90
The IDF Alpinist Unit was established in 1983 to handle the unique threats to the strategic Mount Hermon, which Israel had captured along with the rest of the Golan Heights 16 years earlier in the Six Day War.
2 / 7 The IDF Alpinist Unit was established in 1983 to handle the unique threats to the strategic Mount Hermon, which Israel had captured along with the rest of the Golan Heights 16 years earlier in the Six Day War. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90
The Alpinists are a reserve infantry unit that specializes in mountain and snow warfare.
3 / 7 The Alpinists are a reserve infantry unit that specializes in mountain and snow warfare. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90
Among their rigorous training regimen is learning to shoot and attack while moving quickly on skis.
4 / 7 Among their rigorous training regimen is learning to shoot and attack while moving quickly on skis. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90
The unit’s training is usually conducted by special forces from India and Nepal, which are well-trained and experienced in mountain warfare.
5 / 7 The unit’s training is usually conducted by special forces from India and Nepal, which are well-trained and experienced in mountain warfare. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90
On the slopes of Hermon.
6 / 7 On the slopes of Hermon. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90
Defending Israel’s strategic northern tip.
7 / 7 Defending Israel’s strategic northern tip. Photo: David Cohen/Flash90

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