IDF's all-women combat intelligence team made history by crossing into Lebanon, gathering critical intelligence on Hezbollah positions just 1.5 kilometers into enemy territory. The mission, marking the first time female combat soldiers operated inside Lebanon, came after weeks of preparation along the Syrian border and Mount Dov region.
"We went in on foot carrying 40% of our body weight," said Corporal Tehila, 21, from the elite Eit Battalion. "Everyone asks about fear, but in the moment, there's only the mission and adrenaline."
The operation, originally planned for 24 hours, was cut short to 12 when a fire broke out near their position. Despite this, the team's mission proved highly successful, uncovering anti-tank missile sites and Hezbollah weapons hidden in civilian areas. Their intelligence led to precise strikes by tanks and attack helicopters.
"We entered areas untouched since the Second Lebanon War," said Corporal Shani, 20. "The photos we took directly exposed Hezbollah's use of civilian homes for weapons storage." The team's retreat through dense vegetation proved challenging, but their training paid off.
"My mom was worried, my dad was proud,"* Shani added. *"But we were too focused on the mission to think about making history."
The success of this operation could pave the way for more women in front-line intelligence gathering roles.
