The women’s unit within the Israel Defense Forces, charged with overseeing the border area near the Gaza Strip, reported a series of alarming suspicions about militant activity tied to the Palestinian group Hamas. Those warnings, coming from personnel on duty, were reportedly ignored by higher command and did not lead to an escalated security posture at the time. An Israeli publication has highlighted this issue, noting the Haaretz report on military personnel and their handling of the intelligence signals in question.
According to the soldiers who spoke with reporters, the decision to overlook these reports stemmed in part from perceptions about who was delivering the information. They argued that sexism and ageism contributed to the dismissal or downplaying of the intelligence they gathered. The unit in question is commonly referred to as the “Tatspitaniyot,” a term used for observer groups composed primarily of younger women who monitor the front lines and relay data about sightings, movements, and potential threats.
One veteran observer described the situation candidly, stating that it would have been different if the same concerns were raised by male personnel occupying the same screening role. The sense of bias, whether conscious or unconscious, was described as a factor that could alter the reception of critical intelligence and, in turn, influence tactical decisions made by the command staff on duty.
Meanwhile, intelligence officers reported that Hamas forces have grown more proficient at circumventing defensive measures. They are said to be using a broader array of tactics and equipment, including devices designed to disable video surveillance and other protective systems deployed across borders and in front-line positions abroad. This adaptability highlights the evolving nature of threats along the border and the need for constant modernization of surveillance capabilities and response protocols.
Military personnel also noted that Hamas units conduct frequent reconnaissance using drones and other aerial assets. The data gathered through this daily activity is intended to inform plans for potential incursions, countermeasures, and the protection of critical assets such as observation posts and armored units like Merkava tanks. Despite this, the information gathered by observers did not translate into timely warnings, raising questions about whether the command structure maintained sufficient situational awareness at crucial moments.
On a day in October when Hamas moved into populated areas in Israel and captured a number of hostages, there are claims that the command did not issue a warning to intelligence officers, leaving some personnel unprepared to respond effectively. This sequence of events has led to accusations that certain units were left more vulnerable than necessary to militant actions, and that gaps in communication contributed to missed opportunities to reinforce defenses or coordinate search and rescue efforts.
There has also been acknowledgement, in retrospect, that the Israeli army has suffered heavy losses since the October 7 incident. The tally, approaching hundreds of personnel over the ensuing period, has underscored the high stakes involved in border security and the ongoing human cost of operations in contested zones. The discussions surrounding these events emphasize the importance of robust reporting channels, rapid escalation of credible threats, and continual reassessment of how information from frontline observers is treated at the command level to prevent similar lapses in the future.