Security05:30 · Aug 3

IDF's Combat Engineering Battalion 601 Remains Active Since October 7 Conflict

MaarivCenter

Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba

Key points

01Battalion 601 has been continuously active since October 7, engaging in Gaza and Lebanon combat operations.
02They were the first maneuvering force into Gaza and last to withdraw from Lebanon during the Iron Swords war.
03The battalion prevented Hezbollah reinforcements from entering southern Lebanon in February 2026.
04Soldiers adapted rapidly to different combat environments despite minimal training time.
05Currently regrouping in southern Israel, the battalion prepares for renewed Gaza operations.
06The ongoing conflict is the longest in IDF history, requiring continuous combat readiness with limited rest.

In this story

People

Lt. Col. Y

OrganizationsIDF, Combat Engineering Battalion 601, Brigade 401, Division 91, Hezbollah

PlacesGaza, Lebanon, Bekaa Valley, Beirut, Ramim ridge, southern Israel, northern Israel

The story · English

Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, Combat Engineering Battalion 601 of the IDF has maintained continuous operational activity without significant breaks. The battalion was among the first to engage in combat, initially conducting defensive battles in the Gaza envelope and then serving as the first maneuvering force to enter Gaza. After two years and one month, they withdrew from Gaza in November last year and shifted to defensive operations along the Lebanon border.

Within days, the battalion prepared for potential combat involving Iran and Hezbollah, anticipating attempts by Hezbollah to alter the situation in southern Lebanon amid the ongoing war. Battalion 601 soldiers were tasked with preventing Hezbollah reinforcements from entering from the Bekaa Valley and Beirut as part of Division 91's "Fists" plan. On the night of February 28, they were the first to move and secure key positions deep in Lebanese territory on the Ramim ridge to protect northern Israeli communities.

The battalion was the last combat unit to withdraw from Lebanon during the "Iron Swords" war. Battalion commander Lt. Col. Y highlighted the unit's unique role as the first and last combat engineering battalion to operate alongside Brigade 401 in Gaza and Lebanon. He praised the soldiers' professionalism, noting that despite minimal training time, they adapted rapidly to the different combat environments and challenges posed by Gaza and Lebanon.

Currently, Battalion 601 is regrouping in southern Israel and preparing for renewed combat operations in Gaza. The commander emphasized the importance of training to adapt to Gaza's distinct combat conditions, including close-quarters threats and different enemy tactics. He described the soldiers as "resilient, true heroes with strong values," motivated by a deep sense of mission and responsibility.

The ongoing "Iron Swords" conflict is the longest war the IDF has faced since its establishment, requiring continuous combat readiness with limited rest or training. Battalion 601 is now returning to a routine that balances operational duties with training and rest, aiming to restore soldiers' well-being and maintain combat effectiveness for future missions.

Read the original at Maariv