TIMES OF ISRAEL
An exclusive look into the faces of the IDF’s Bedouin battalion: Gadsar 585
Guy Fattal
July 21, 2024

Last month, I journeyed to the southern border of Gaza to join the IDF’s Bedouin battalion, Gadsar 585. This unique unit, operating in the desert terrain of Israel’s south, has played a critical role in the country’s defense for decades. The battalion, mostly composed of Bedouin Muslims, stands out for its diverse makeup and its soldiers’ deep-rooted connection to the land they defend…The idea of Muslims serving in the IDF might not align with many preconceived notions. Yet, this is one of the defining features of Gadsar 585. In addition to the Bedouin majority, the battalion also includes Jewish, Arab Israeli, and Christian soldiers. READ MORE