Outgoing IDF Combat Engineering Commander Reflects on Tunnel Threats and October 7 Failures

Lieutenant Colonel H, commander of the elite IDF combat engineering unit Yahalom, led the tunnel interdiction project in the Bofor area, targeting Hezbollah tunnels intended for infiltration into Israel. Having directed dozens of significant operations in Gaza and Lebanon, he is now concluding his service. He emphasized the lasting impact of the October 7 failure, stating, "The failure of 7.10 is etched in our minds."

Lieutenant Colonel H described how combat soldiers today undergo extensive tunnel training, with some having entered hundreds of tunnels across various sectors. He recounted a critical incident early in his tenure: on his second day, during operations in the Rafah desert area, a tunnel collapse occurred not due to an explosion but structural failure, isolating the first three soldiers from the rest of the unit. He described the helplessness felt by both the trapped soldiers and the commander but noted that the rescue was successful and ended well.

This interview, provided by Kan News, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the IDF in countering subterranean threats from Hezbollah and Hamas, underscoring the importance of tunnel warfare expertise in Israel's defense strategy.