Is Mahal the same as Nahal?
No. The similarity of the names Mahal and Nahal is pure coincidence. Mahal is the Hebrew acronym for Overseas Volunteers (Mitnadvei Hutz-Laaretz). Nahal stand for Noar Halutzi Lohem. Mahal volunteers serve in various units of the IDF. One of the units of the IDF is the Nahal Infantry Brigade where most Mahal volunteers with combat profile serve.