The brigade was founded in 1957. It has been known as 80th, 317th, and 939th brigade before it was designated as 226th. The reservists of the brigade have been called upon to fight in many of Israel's wars, including: the Six Day War (1967), the Yom Kippur War (1973), Operation Litani (1978), and Operation Peace for Galilee (1982). Famous brigade commanders have included Danny Matt and Rafael Eitan.