Operation Arnon: Critical Details

IDF officers from the Kfir and Paratroopers brigades, instrumental in a recent hostage rescue operation, have shared their riveting experiences. Operating under a shroud of secrecy, they exhibited remarkable courage and skill, leading to the successful rescue of four Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity.

Why It Matters

This operation underscores the IDF’s unmatched capabilities and intense dedication to rescuing Israeli citizens in danger. It exemplifies Israel’s commitment to protecting its people, even under the most challenging conditions.

Operational Insight

Over five days of intense ground operations in central Gaza, the IDF faced formidable adversaries from Hamas’s Deir al-Balah Brigade. The coordinated effort involved hundreds of infantry and armored brigade soldiers meticulously preparing for Operation Arnon while keeping their true objectives ultra-confidential to safeguard the mission’s integrity.

Strategic Deployment

Despite launching coordinated maneuvers a week prior, most soldiers were only informed of the actual mission just in time for execution, demonstrating high operational security. The anticipation to liberate the hostages, held south of Gaza City, necessitated utter secrecy to outmaneuver enemy suspicion.

First-hand Accounts

Major Eliav’s Perspective

Major Eliav, the Kfir Brigade’s operations officer, recounted the elaborate deception tactics employed, noting the unit purified access routes and set reserves and ambushes to ensure Hamas’s bewilderment. Their decisive firepower played a key role in obfuscating the enemy’s awareness.

Young Officer’s Excitement

A young officer, briefed momentarily before entering hostile territory, shared the palpable tension, especially when a rescue vehicle encountered setbacks. His narrations vividly convey the excitement, stressing how timely military aggression secured the mission’s progression.

Continued Operations

Following the success in Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah, the brigade aims to dismantle the remaining elements of Hamas’s local brigade. High standards of professionalism and pinpoint operations are a testament to the IDF’s protracted goals in securing Gaza.

Stepping Up Under Fire

Commander Major Roie of the Paratroopers Brigade narrated their responsive action to secure a stalled rescue vehicle. Under direct fire, they ensured safe passage and clearance of enemy strongholds overlooked vital intersections, embodying their tactical proficiency.

Entrenched Determination

The experiences detailed by Major Roie underscore the spontaneous yet highly organized responses crucial during this critical mission. Exposure to clear objectives merely hours before the operation demonstrates the soldiers’ unparalleled readiness and relentless spirit amid intense adversity.

Moving Forward

With significant tasks ahead, the courageous dedication shown during this operation reaffirms the IDF’s strengths in safeguarding Israeli lives, equipped with meticulous planning and superior tactical action.

Major Roie’s Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on the operation’s culmination, Major Roie celebrated the personnel for their efforts, particularly operating within an active and perilous combat sphere, thereby manifesting the IDF’s encompassing valor and strategic depth.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.