Israeli Military to Equip Border Lookouts and Shift Bases to Secure Areas

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday significant changes to its border security strategy, including arming female field observers and relocating their bases away from border areas. This decision follows the devastating Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, during which dozens of unarmed observers were killed or kidnapped.

Over the next six weeks, all field observers will be equipped with X95 Tavor assault rifles. Additionally, their operations will be conducted from safer locations as part of a multi-year plan to improve border security and protect personnel. The IDF stated that these measures are informed by hard-learned lessons from last year’s cross-border assault.

The attack, which targeted the southern border, revealed vulnerabilities in the positioning and protection of field observers. Seven observers stationed at the Nahal Oz base were abducted during the assault, five of whom remain in Hamas captivity after 427 days. Two others, Ori Megidish and Cpl. Noa Marciano, were rescued and tragically murdered in captivity, respectively.

Avi Marciano, father of Cpl. Noa Marciano, expressed heartbreak over the avoidable loss. “If only they hadn’t been there on the border. If only they would’ve had weapons. Everything could’ve been different,” he said.

The Oct. 7 attack highlighted critical lapses in Israeli intelligence. Reports surfaced that warnings from lower-ranking personnel, including border lookouts, about Hamas’s preparations were dismissed by higher command as provocations. An internal IDF intelligence memo circulated on September 19, 2023, had even predicted the possibility of an attack involving mass abductions.

These failures have intensified scrutiny of the IDF’s response and spurred changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies. By relocating observer bases to safer locations and arming personnel, the IDF seeks to bolster the security of those tasked with safeguarding Israel’s borders.

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