On Wednesday, the Israeli army confirmed the deaths of eight soldiers during battles with Hezbollah following the Israeli military’s incursion into southern Lebanon. Israeli media revealed that most of the soldiers killed in these clashes belonged to the elite Egoz commando unit, marking one of Israel’s most significant human losses on the Lebanese front in nearly a year of ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah.
But what is the Egoz unit, and why is it crucial in Israel’s military operations, especially in conflicts with Hezbollah?
A Look Into Israel’s Egoz Unit
The Egoz unit, part of the Israeli army’s elite forces, was originally formed to specialize in guerrilla warfare and counterinsurgency. Its name, Egoz, is an acronym for “anti-guerrilla warfare and small wars.”
- Specialized in Guerrilla Warfare: The unit focuses on guerrilla tactics, making it adept at confronting irregular forces such as Hezbollah.
- Established in 1995: The unit was reconstituted in 1995, primarily to counter Hezbollah’s guerrilla activities in southern Lebanon.
- Key Role Against Hezbollah: Egoz has been the spearhead in combatting Hezbollah, especially during the 2006 Lebanon war, and remains integral in operations along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
- Deployed in Gaza: After the 2006 war, the unit was redeployed to the Gaza border, where it specialized in setting up ambushes and defending against infiltration attempts.
- Extensive Training: Soldiers undergo 16 months of rigorous training in guerrilla tactics, urban warfare, anti-kidnapping techniques, parachuting, and advanced camouflage.
- Combat in Complex Terrain: The unit is highly skilled in fighting in difficult terrains, including forests and urban environments.
Recent Losses and Ongoing Conflict
The recent deaths of Egoz soldiers in southern Lebanon are part of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have continued for over a year. Israel’s military operations along the Lebanese border and in Gaza frequently involve this elite unit due to its proficiency in navigating complex terrain and conducting high-stakes missions.
As the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah persist, the role of the Egoz unit remains critical in Israel’s broader military strategy against non-state actors in the region.
