55th Paratroopers Brigade (Israel)

IDF Brigade 55 symbol

55th Paratroopers Brigade, also known as "Tip of The Spear Brigade" (Hebrew: עֻצְבַּת חוד החנית, Utzbat Hod Ha-Hanit), is a reserve paratrooper brigade in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) that specialized in airborne operation, anti-irregular military, CQB/CQC in urban areas, long-range penetration, raiding with small unit tactics, and special reconnaissance.

History

Paratroopers of 55th Brigade lining up for action in Sinai, June 1967

The 55th Paratroopers Brigade is subordinate to the 98th Paratroopers Division.

The brigade is airborne forces unit within the IDF which over the years has taken part in a number of the IDF operations, including the Battle of Ammunition Hill during the Six-Day War, Operation Stoutehearted Men during the Yom Kippur War, the 1982 Lebanon War and the 2006 Lebanon War.

The 55th is famous specifically for being the first Israeli brigade into the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967 and the first to cross the Suez Canal in 1973.

During the Swords of Iron war following the October 7, 2023 Hamas led attack on Israel, the Brigade fought in Kfar Aza, eventually clearing the bodies of the Kfar Aza massacre and was then one of the forces which led the IDF operation in Khan Younis.

Brigade organization 2023

• 55th Paratroopers Brigade "Hod Ha-Hanit/Tip of The Spear" (Reserve)
  • 2855th Paratroopers Battalion
  • 6655th Paratroopers Battalion
  • 7155th Paratroopers Battalion
  • (6623rd) Reconnaissance Battalion "Hod Ha-Hanit"
  • Logistic Battalion
  • Signal Company