IDF to Establish Space Brigade as Katz Pledges 'Blue-and-White Star Wars'

The Israel Defense Forces will establish a new Space Brigade under its Planning Directorate to develop orbital surveillance systems and capabilities for future space warfare. The unit, expected to stand up in the coming months, consolidates the military's existing space activities under a single organizational framework and marks a step toward expanding Israeli military capabilities beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The decision was announced following a senior military appointments meeting Monday chaired by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The new brigade will operate as part of the military's multiyear Hoshen program, reflecting a growing recognition within the IDF that space has become an increasingly important dimension of modern warfare. According to the IDF, the move reflects its assessment that space is becoming an active and evolving part of the battlefield, with its military significance expected to increase in the coming years.

Brig. Gen. S., whose full name was not released, has been selected to lead the brigade. Two lieutenant colonels, identified as N. and S., will head departments within the unit and be promoted to colonel. The appointments remain subject to approval by Defense Minister Israel Katz. Unlike traditional combat brigades, the Space Brigade will function as a specialized organizational unit, bringing together technological development, operational requirements and long-term military planning, and will lead professional training to establish space operations as a distinct field of military expertise.

Over the past year, the military advanced several projects in the field, including the operation of space-based sensors monitoring Earth and the development of capabilities related to space warfare. Katz welcomed the announcement Tuesday, describing the brigade as central to his ambition to transform Israel into a leading military space power. "I welcome the IDF's decision to establish a Space Brigade as part of the policy I am advancing: turning Israel into a military space power, 'blue-and-white Star Wars,'" Katz said. He added that the goal was to make Israel "one of the world's leading countries in military space capabilities."

Katz outlined a vision extending beyond satellite-based intelligence gathering to future defensive and offensive operations conducted from space. "The ability to monitor, defend and strike any target from space across vast areas will cement Israel's position as a regional and global power, deter enemies near and far, and ensure our security for generations to come," he said. He also argued that investment in military space technology could boost Israel's technology sector, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing, and position the country as a leader in civilian space technology as well.

The IDF has not disclosed which capabilities will be available when the brigade is established or provided a timetable for developing the full range of systems Katz described. His remarks outline long-term objectives rather than capabilities confirmed to be operational.

The Space Brigade was one of several organizational changes approved Monday. The IDF also decided to establish a Robotics Brigade within its Depth Command, led by Brig. Gen. Y., to consolidate the military's robotics activities. The meeting reestablished the 500th Armored Brigade, disbanded in 2003, with Lt. Col. R. selected to command the revived tank formation and be promoted to colonel, marking its return after 23 years. Dozens of additional senior appointments were finalized, including new military attachés for Poland, Germany, Finland, France, Britain and Belgium, and a Ground Forces attaché in Washington. All appointments remain subject to Katz's approval.