Paratroopers Commander Recounts Battles, Lessons from Gaza and Lebanon

Colonel Roey Zweig-Lavi, commander of the Paratroopers Brigade, reflects on the ongoing conflict, drawing parallels between his past combat experiences and the current war. Having fought in Bint Jbeil during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, he returned to the Hezbollah stronghold 20 years later as brigade commander, aiming for a decisive victory. In an interview with four other paratroopers, Zweig-Lavi acknowledges the IDF's failures against drone threats and discusses the significance of operations in Rafah and Bint Jbeil as "victory pictures."

He shares personal reflections, including admitting to a father of a fallen soldier that the IDF failed on October 7th. The accompanying soldiers represent different experiences of the war: one who fought from the initial hours of October 7th, a young officer, a survivor of a kibbutz attack, and a soldier who enlisted after the massacre and learned from those who came before him.

Lieutenant Colonel N., commander of the 890th Battalion, recounts his experience on October 7th, initially facing chaos and misinformation before engaging in combat and sustaining a severe chest wound. He highlights the brigade's commitment to rescuing every soldier, citing an example of a fighter who survived a severe leg injury due to rapid medical response.

Captain A., a platoon commander, discusses the difficult decision-making process on October 7th, weighing immediate engagement against a more prepared, delayed response. He describes the apocalyptic scenes he witnessed and his unit's subsequent operations, including finding the bodies of kidnapped civilians in a tunnel in Jabalia, an act that brought closure to families.

Second Lieutenant D., who joined the IDF six months after October 7th, speaks about growing up with the war's lessons ingrained in him. He experienced combat in Bint Jbeil, a place that symbolizes both past failures and current resolve for Zweig-Lavi. The brigade commander emphasizes that maneuver warfare, involving ground troops, is key to decisive victories, not just intelligence or air power.

Zweig-Lavi also addresses the integration of religious soldiers, citing the Hatz Company as a successful model. He acknowledges the psychological toll of the war, stressing the importance of mental health support for soldiers who have witnessed traumatic events. The brigade continues rigorous training, preparing for future operations, with Zweig-Lavi expressing confidence in the unit's ability to achieve tactical victories by eliminating enemy combatants and infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Zweig-Lavi, who is set to become the next Chief of Infantry and Paratroopers, states that while the brigade's values remain constant, its fighting and learning methods have evolved. He asserts that Bint Jbeil has been decisively defeated and destroyed, ensuring his son will not have to fight there. He concludes by emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and readiness for future challenges, stating the question is not if the brigade will be called upon to maneuver again, but when.