The Monument to the Negev Brigade
Situated on a hill and overlooking Be’ersheba from the east is the Monument to the Negev Brigade, known locally as the Andarta. The memorial is dedicated to the members of the Palmach’s Negev Brigade (Hativat HaNegev) who fought and fell during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War (War of Independence), and it has become a powerful symbol of the Negev’s liberation and the sacrifices made at that time. There are panoramic views of the city and Negev plain.
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​Directions and parking: Enter “Monument to the Negev Brigade” into Waze. There is parking at the bottom of the hill.​
Admission: There is a short but rough path up the hill. A recording, also in English, explains the significance of the monument.
Public transport: Enter “Monument to the Negev Brigade” into Moovit. It is an 800-meter/10-minute walk from the closest bus stop.
This monument was designed by the renowned Israeli artist Dani Karavan, and is made of raw, exposed concrete. This means that it is not particularly attractive-looking. However, it is full of symbolism with 18 separate symbolic elements. Each structure and shape in the memorial symbolizes aspects of the brigade’s experience and the broader desert campaign. This includes a Perforated Tower that represents a watchtower shelled by gunfire, a Pipeline Tunnel alluding to the water channels in the Negev protected by the soldiers, and communication trenches, bunkers, tents, and terrain features faced during the campaign. Engraved in concrete and metal throughout the site are the names of the 324 fallen brigade members, with diary excerpts, maps, biblical verses, and songs offering a personal and cultural context.
The Negev Brigade (Hativat HaNegev) was formed in early 1948 from three Palmach battalions and played a central role in defending and opening the Negev region., particularly in operations such as Operation Yoav and the capture of Be’ersheba. The Brigade fought against Arab irregulars and the Egyptian army, and defended the 25 isolated settlements, roads and 210 km of water conduits. It played a vital role in a series of offensive operations that led to the defeat of the Egyptian and Jordanian armies, the capture of Be’ersheba, and the liberation of the entire Negev to Eilat.The Palmach was later disbanded to be part of the Israel Defense Forces.
