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IDF commander details engineering breakthroughs to reach Litani River

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources New plan
  • The IDF's 7th Armored Brigade, led by Col. Shaul Yisraeli, undertook a complex engineering mission to breach pathways to the Litani River in Lebanon.
  • Heavy Engineering Equipment (HEO) operators used D9 bulldozers to clear explosives and boulders along a perilous route, facing threats from Hezbollah.
  • The successful breach allowed tanks to advance, marking a significant engineering achievement amidst intense combat operations.

Col. Shaul Yisraeli, commander of the IDF's 7th Armored Brigade, detailed the challenging engineering feats required to advance towards the Litani River in southern Lebanon. In a reflection on recent combat operations, Yisraeli highlighted the critical role of Heavy Engineering Equipment (HEO) operators in clearing a strategic pathway through heavily defended terrain.

The mission involved navigating a narrow, steep path alongside a sharp cliff, with tanks of the 7th Brigade following closely behind the lead bulldozer. The HEO operators faced constant threats, including anti-tank missiles, suicide drones, improvised explosive devices, and rocket barrages. Their task was to push forward, clearing concealed explosives and large boulders, while making split-second decisions on navigation and speed to ensure the force's continued advance.

One particularly tense moment occurred when the bulldozer, weighing around 60 tons, was exposed to Hezbollah lookouts. Despite the immediate eruption of fire, the HEO operators persevered, pushing forward until the bulldozer's blade reached the waters of the Litani River. This successful breach enabled the advancing tanks to move along the newly cleared route, representing a significant engineering accomplishment in the complex ground maneuver.

The brigade's engineering companies receive no recognition at all fo

— Col. Shaul YisraeliEmphasizing the magnitude of the achievement and the contribution of the 603rd Engineering Battalion during the interview.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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