Israeli Border Police Launches Pilot to Train Noncombat Veterans as Fighters
Israel Border Police's "Kfir" project is training noncombat veterans as fighters, with hundreds applying after the October 7th attack.
Jerusalem, 23 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel Border Police announced Sunday the launch of a pilot project training military veterans and reservists without previous combat training to serve as Border Police fighters.
The “Kfir” project graduated its first cohort of 24 participants last week after 12 weeks of training. The program upgrades participants’ military qualifications and provides combat, operational and police training, qualifying them for service as full-fledged Border Police fighters.
The initiative was created amid increased demand from veterans seeking more active roles in Israel’s security efforts after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack.
The Border Police said hundreds have applied for the next cohort.