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]

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".