One year ago, the IDF uncovered Hezbollah's fence tunnels and in the midst of winter, forces launched an operation to locate and block them • Lieutenant Colonel R., commander of a fighter division in the elite elite unit of the engineering unit: Practitioners "

• IDF activity in northern Magen // Photo: IDF Spokesman

"The preparations in the early stages were conducted in secret," recalled Lt. Gen., commander of the fighters' party in the elite unit, the special missions engineering unit, on preparations for a northern protective operation. "The training was done in a short space of time in the northern area, and the fighters did not know why they were training. Each fighter practiced a different ability, and together it was formulated into one unified unit to complete the objectives of the operation, to locate the tunnels route. And under the preparations for the northern defender's exit port. "

A year ago, the IDF launched an operation in the north. For the first time, it was reported that Hezbollah's fence tunnels were exposed and in the midst of winter, forces launched an operation to locate and block them. Lieutenant R just took office, as preparations began. Despite the secrecy, everything knocked like a clock. "The preparatory system and battle procedure were intense and everyone knew what to do at any given moment, we were also prepared for reactions from the other party and a long stay in the space," he recalls.

Photo: IDF Spokesman

"Before the operation, we felt a state of fog. It is not so clear what we are training for and yet there has been a harnessing of all the forces to train and do the tasks we have been given best," says Capt. N. (24). At the time of the operation, N. served as the commander of a company battle team. His deputy, Lieutenant M. (23), also talks about similar feelings. "Before the operation there was a very large ambiguity. We knew we were training and preparing for something big but we didn't exactly know what. There were a lot of assessments and rumors but at the moment of truth we were surprised by the scope of the operation."

Then the operation began. "The moment we reached the first tunnel was amazing, it was on the first night of the operation and was not satisfactory," recalls Lt. Gen. R. "During the operation, we collaborated with members of the Northern Command, Division 91, 769 and 300 divisions and of course, technological and intelligence bodies And engineering battalions. The fighters functioned exceptionally under very severe weather, and complex mud conditions. "

Photo: IDF Spokesman

Capt. N: "During the operation there was always the expectation of hitting the tunnel, took a lot of time and the fighters did not lose hope and every night and even in very cold weather and in addition to many difficulties, continued to search and execute activities for the purpose of hitting the tunnel. Of course, the time of the hit was an amazing and satisfying feeling for everyone Especially you look north and see a Lebanese village and then look south and see a Jewish settlement. "

"My fighters were champions and worked hard, around the clock, to bring our tunnel," recalls Lieutenant M. "It was difficult and there were moments of despair here and blessedness we overcame it. The most special experience and moments for me in this operation is the moment when my fighter I was informed that we had hit the tunnel. Happiness difficult to describe. The fighters recovered relatively quickly and continued to work, but I saw that they were excited for the sky. "

IDF Forces in Operation "Northern Defender" // IDF Spokesman

"During the operation, there were incredible moments," Lt. Col. R recalls. "The weather was very tough and one moment I remember especially is that one of the days residents of Metula and Kiryat Shmona brought us donuts in the rain, pancakes, soup and warm clothes. We found ourselves lighting candles in the rain and this is a moment I take with me for life. Knowing you are doing such a job is important. "

Lieutenant Colonel R. makes it clear that in addition to the specific operational achievement, the operation has greatly assisted the learning and upgrading processes in the elite unit, which has also led the SLA from the Northern Command commander for its operations. "Throughout the operation and even today, we have evolved and started to use special technologies that help us cope with the challenges in the space. This is one of the biggest operational events in which the unit has participated and all its forces. This past year it was my most significant thing to do."

Tunnel exposed in operation // Photo: IDF Spokesman

"Our fighters used to be youths who wanted to enlist in special units, and to be at the edge of the line, and I think this northern shield comes into play. The vast majority of the unit's activities are done in the dark and know it by the complexity of the operation of individual people. Northern defenses allow fighters or UAVs Who want to get to see what the unit does in routine and emergency. This created motivation to get to the unit. The unit is doing very interesting and unique things, "Lt. Col. R. concludes, revealing that he also has a personal aspect to the story:" I live in the north and my parents live in Nahariya.