Five Israeli divisions are preparing for a ground operation in southern Lebanon, which the Israeli army began last week in what it called the "focused operation," with the participation of the 91st and 36th divisions.

As Israeli reports increase about a "large-scale ground invasion" in southern Lebanon, the most important ground divisions of the Israeli army come into focus. Several of these divisions have fought fierce battles in Lebanon during previous Israeli invasions over the years.

So what do we know about these divisions, and what are the most notable operations they have carried out in Lebanon?

Merkava tanks on the Lebanese border (AFP).

⭕162nd Division

• Known as the Steel Formation, it is a regular armored division in the Israeli army under the Southern Regional Command.
• Established in 1971 as a reserve division, it became a regular division in 1979.
• The 162nd Division participated in battles against Hezbollah in 2006, reaching the strategic Litani River at that time.

⭕36th Division

• An Israeli armored division formed in 1954, under the Northern Command of the Israeli army.
• It is one of the largest active formations in the Israeli army.
• It includes the 188th and 7th armored brigades, the 1st Golani Infantry Brigade, a reserve armored brigade, the 609th reserve infantry brigade, and the 334th, 405th, and 411th artillery battalions.

⭕91st Division

• Known as the Galilee Formation, it is a regional combat division under the Northern Command.
• Responsible for securing the Lebanese border from Ras Naqoura to the Shebaa Farms.
• Oversees front-line defense and operations in southern Lebanon.
• Composed of several brigades, including the 300th Infantry Brigade “Baram,” the 769th Infantry Brigade “Hiram,” the 3rd Infantry Brigade “Alexandroni” (reserve), the 8th Armored Brigade (reserve), and the Field Intelligence Battallion "Shahaf/Seagull". 

⭕210th Division

• Known as Bashan or the Golan Division, formed in 1973.
• A regional division under the Northern Command, responsible for protecting the borders in the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon.
• Leads the “Mountain” Brigade (810) and includes infantry and armored brigades (reserve) as well as field intelligence battalions.
• Has participated in ground operations in southern Lebanon since October 2024 to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure.

Israeli forces on the Lebanese border (AFP).

⭕146th Division

• Known as the “Ha-Mapatz” Formation, meaning the Crushing Formation, it is a reserve armored infantry division under the Northern Command.
• Formed in 1954, it is responsible for conducting special offensive and defensive operations in the western sector of the Lebanese border.
• It was called up in October 2024 to expand the ground incursion in southern Lebanon as part of Operation “Northern Arrows.”
• Under its command are the 2nd Infantry Brigade (Carmeli), the 205th Armored Brigade, the 226th Paratroopers Brigade, and the 228th Infantry Brigade (Alon).