The IDF has launched a new initiative aimed at boosting recruitment numbers to the Infantry Corps' Kfir Brigade (the 900th Brigade).
Over the past few months, the number of soldiers applying to serve in the brigade, whose soldier are stationed across the West Bank, has steadily decreased. The reason is believed to be recent reports suggesting Kfir soldiers were involved in various incidents in which Palestinians were accidentally hurt.
As part of the new image campaign for the brigade, headed by its commander Colonel Itai Virob, some 100 of its officers will be dispatched to the homes of IDF recruits scheduled to enlist in November, in order to convince them the brigade is the place to be.
"The real advantage we offer is that, unlike the situation in veteran, well established brigades, our new combatants will essentially be shaping Kfir's future and determining its place in the armed forces," said the project's point man, Major Nadav Dahan.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amit Yamin, commander of the Lavie Regiment, whose soldiers were involved inthe kidnapping of a Palestinian cab driver in the West Bank city of Dahariya in 2007, told Ynet only a handful of potential recruits are interested in the ethical aspect of the operations.
"They want to know all about the operational aspects, the difference between the regiments and what each one specializes in. We talk about the different weapons and operational vehicles, about the recent changes in the brigade and what career options they have within it.
"We do emphasize ethics," stressed Yamin. "We take incidents like this very seriously and deal with them accordingly .You have to remember that cases (like Dahariya's) are few, especially when you consider Kfir's deployment in the West Bank."
The Kfir Brigade has enjoyed immense success among new IDF recruits up until the August 2008 class, when a sharp drop was noted.
"We want to be everyone's first choice again," said Dahan, adding that since the campaign was launched the brigade has noted a 50% rise in applicants.