The Harel Brigade was established on 16 April 1948 as a division of the Palmach, immediately after Operation Nachshon. It was composed of three battalions (Ha-portzim - known as the Second Battalion; Sha'ar Hagai - known as the First Battalion; and the Giv'ati 54th Battalion).[citation needed] 1,400 men,[1] which had fought in Operation Nachshon in the Jerusalem area.