A new document by an Israel Defense Forces combat reservist, who recently completed reserve duty on the northern border, sheds light on a chain of deficiencies and malfunctions in the outposts adjacent to the fence with Lebanon. The document, titled "Strategic Thoughts," provides a first-person account of the soldier's experiences during operational employment on the border and raises concerns about the level of preparedness in case of an attack by Hezbollah.
While the IDF is equipped to handle small-scale attacks from Hezbollah, such as kidnapping or infiltration attempts, the document highlights that the outposts are ill-prepared to face a strategic scenario where Hezbollah attempts to forcefully occupy an Israeli village, IDF post, or company. In such a scenario, the reservist fears it could result in a major disaster.
IDF Intelligence Warns of Growing Threat at Israel-Lebanon Border
ā FDD's Iran Program (@FDD_Iran) July 28, 2023
NEW FDD Flash Brief featuring analysis from @JoeTruzman and @AcrossTheBay: https://t.co/QqZHsHcXuy
The gaps identified by the reservist indicate significant shortcomings, bordering on lawlessness. These include a lack of ammunition and basic equipment, excessive reliance on technological means, neglect in base maintenance, and particularly deficiencies in the concept of operation for the forces.
Currently, the IDF's primary activity on the border is focused on thwarting kidnapping incidents, such as those that occurred in Har Dov in 2000 and during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, or intrusion incidents, as seen in the recent attack in Megiddo. While the forces in the field do their best to cope with these situations, they are not adequately prepared for a full-scale invasion scenario.
Israeli defense minister Gallant orders army to elevate alert for Hezbollah attacks on Lebanon border; military plans approved in case of escalation; IDF battalion mobilized in snap drill to test response to Hezbollah infiltration (via @amirbohbot)
ā Israel Radar (@IsraelRadar_com) July 30, 2023
The soldier elaborated on the issues faced at the outposts, stating that the firing positions and fighting trenches were poorly concealed with camouflage nets. This made movement within the trenches difficult for line fighters, hindering combat management and efficiency.
The soldier also drew parallels to past conflicts, highlighting how the IDF's overconfidence in its capabilities during the Second Intifada led to grave consequences in the Second Lebanon War. Similarly, the IDF's current satisfaction with its ability to make arrests and build fences along the border has overshadowed the lack of preparedness at the elementary level of combat infrastructure.
Members of Hezbollah in military gear were filmed by Israeli forces last week patrolling along the border with Lebanon, near the northern town of Dovev. The IDF says they did not cross into Israeli territory, and were not a threat to residents of the area. pic.twitter.com/THWyRGHBeH
ā Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) July 25, 2023
In conclusion, the document calls attention to the pressing need for improvement and readiness in the outposts along the northern border, recognizing that an unprepared response to a serious attack could have severe consequences for the IDF and Israel.
