Mitznefet (Israeli military)

The Mitznefet (Hebrew: מִצְנֶפֶת‎) is a helmet covering for the infantry combat helmet used by the Israel Defense Forces as of 1994. It is considerably larger than the helmet, with a similar appearance to a chef's hat. The purpose of the floppy helmet cover is to break up the distinctive outline of a helmeted head and thus assist in the camouflage of the wearer. It also prevents light from reflecting off the helmet and can protect the wearer from sunlight.[1]

For the religious headcover, see Mitznefet.
Israeli soldier wearing Mitznefet helmet cover

It was originally adopted in the 1990s for guerrilla warfare in the wood and bush land of south Lebanon, later changing to a two sided camouflage material, one for desert and one for woodland terrain. The Mitznefet is easily removable, and can be attached to the helmet while folded.[2]

The term comes from the mitznefet, or turban, worn by the high priest in the Temple of Jerusalem, originating in a Hebrew language root meaning "to wrap".

References
  1. "Ukraine to get Israeli 'clown hat' helmet covers — report". Times of Israel. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  2. Daniel Engber (August 11, 2006). "Israeli Soldiers, Fashion Victims: Why are they wearing chef's hats?". Slate.com.
  • Media related to Mitznefet at Wikimedia Commons
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