The incident in which five soldiers were killed in Lebanon

Tragic incident in southern Lebanon: bitter lessons for the IDF's Egoz unit

The events that led to the tragic deaths of five soldiers from the Egoz unit in early October in southern Lebanon continue to raise questions within the IDF. According to testimonies gathered, the decision to enter a building suspected to be controlled by terrorists gave rise to debates among the troops over the tactics to adopt to neutralize any potential threat.

Testimonies from soldiers and commanders on site indicate that two options were considered: a discreet entry, to avoid attracting attention and potentially avoid casualties, or a more aggressive approach, supported by fire to secure the area. Eventually, a group entered the building silently, thinking it was empty. However, inside, a soldier spotted a sleeping terrorist, upon whom he immediately opened fire, sparking an intense armed confrontation.

From the start of the exchange of fire, the troops on site were faced with a crucial dilemma: a soldier was missing, without it being possible to confirm whether he was being held captive or whether he had died. This uncertainty complicated tactical choices, with soldiers hesitant to throw grenades or heavy covering fire for fear of injuring their comrade.

The building, surrounded by dense vegetation, posed access and visibility difficulties for the rescue forces. Additionally, communications were made complicated by the configuration of the terrain, and some soldiers reported that calls for help made over the communications network went unanswered. Reinforcements were finally dispatched, but the situation had become perilous under heavy fire from the terrorists.

The soldiers' families, supported by some commanders' testimonies, expressed criticism of the lack of air and artillery support during the incident. The lack of adequate cover complicated the evacuation of the wounded, which had to be carried out under enemy fire and in difficult terrain conditions.

The commanders and soldiers present on site reported that, in the face of difficulties, acts of bravery increased. Despite the lack of resources, the Egoz medical team carried out evacuations under intense fire, and the soldiers showed determination to support their wounded comrades. Stretchers were carried more than two kilometers under bullets, and despite exhaustion, the soldiers courageously continued the mission.

The IDF spokesperson praised the commitment and leadership of the Egoz soldiers, highlighting their heroism in the face of an extremely complex situation. The first conclusions of the internal investigation, which aims to identify failures and draw lessons for the future, have already been shared with the bereaved families. The army also announced that information and feedback sessions were organized within the unit to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Despite these painful losses, Egoz's soldiers continue their mission on other fronts, continuing to defend their country with professionalism. The IDF affirmed that the lessons learned from this incident are being integrated into military strategy in real time, so that the sacrifice of these soldiers is not in vain and the army is better prepared for future challenges.

The Egoz unit is an elite unit of the Israeli army, specializing in counter-guerrilla operations and missions in difficult terrain. Integrated into the Golani brigade, Egoz was founded in 1956 but was dissolved several times, before being definitively reestablished in 1995 to meet the specific needs of combat against unconventional armed groups, notably in Lebanon, against Hezbollah.

Egoz is distinguished by its ability to operate in small autonomous groups and to carry out reconnaissance, ambush and infiltration missions. Its members are trained to fight in various environments: wooded areas, mountains, and desert conditions, as well as for urban combat. Most of their operations focus on Israel's border areas, particularly in the north, along the Lebanese border, and in the south, facing threats from Gaza.

Egoz soldiers receive extremely rigorous training, covering varied skills such as advanced camouflage, navigation in difficult terrain, and close quarters combat. They are also trained to physically and mentally withstand extreme conditions, making them a unit suitable for long, autonomous and often very risky missions.

Since its re-foundation, the Egoz unit has played a major role in several national security operations. She was actively involved in conflicts in Lebanon, including the 2006 war against Hezbollah, where she led numerous missions aimed at disrupting the operations of enemy fighters. It is also mobilized for counterterrorism operations, particularly in the West Bank and other Palestinian areas, to prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle networks.

The Egoz unit's equipment is designed for mobility and stealth. Its soldiers are often equipped with light rifles, grenades, and advanced communications equipment suited to operations in wooded terrain. In addition to intensive physical and tactical training, Egoz soldiers learn to use the environment to their advantage, exploiting mountainous and forested terrain to surprise the enemy.

The Egoz unit is considered one of the IDF's most capable and versatile forces. Its specialization in counter-guerrilla warfare and its ability to carry out discreet operations make it crucial to Israel's defense strategy. Egoz embodies an important part of Israel's approach to “asymmetric warfare”, where methods and tactics differ from those of conventional units to respond to threats posed by well-organized paramilitary groups.

For many, Egoz represents the Israeli army's excellence in combating irregular threats, and soldiers who succeed in integrating this unit are seen as belonging to a military elite.

Jforum.fr