The Eyal Battalion is a reserve IDF artillery unit with a veteran combat record and recent activation in Gaza under Operation Sword of Iron.

The Eyal Battalion (Hebrew: גדוד אייל), more accurately known as Battalion 403 “Eyal”, is an IDF artillery battalion that was originally a regular (standing) battalion. It was converted in January 2004 into a reserve artillery battalion

It has participated in major Israeli operations, including:

Six-Day War – provided fire support to the Golani and Paratroopers brigades in Gaza .

Yom Kippur War, Operation Pillar of Defense (2012), Second Lebanon War (2006), Operation Protective Edge – likely via reserve activation

In response to the October 7, 2023 attack, the battalion was mobilized under reserve duty (Order 8) and took part in Operation Sword of Iron in Gaza. It falls under the IDF’s 215th Artillery Brigade, offering medium to long-range fire support.

Its emblem/patch (“Eyal” design) dates back to at least 1988, symbolizing the unit in its artillery role