ISRAEL AT WAR - DAY 491

  • Eylon, right, with troops from the Gadsar 585 unit. (Guy Fattal)
    Eylon, right, with troops from the Gadsar 585 unit. (Guy Fattal)
  • Soldiers with the IDF's Gadsar 585 Bedouin unit. (Guy Fattal)
    Soldiers with the IDF's Gadsar 585 Bedouin unit. (Guy Fattal)
  • Soldiers with the IDF's Gadsar 585 Bedouin unit. (Guy Fattal)
    Soldiers with the IDF's Gadsar 585 Bedouin unit. (Guy Fattal)
  • A soldier with Gadsar 585 holds his weapon. (Guy Fattal)
    A soldier with Gadsar 585 holds his weapon. (Guy Fattal)
  • Eylon, second from left, with troops from the Gadsar 585 unit. (Guy Fattal)
    Eylon, second from left, with troops from the Gadsar 585 unit. (Guy Fattal)
  • Jewish and Muslim troops from the Gadsar 585 unit pose together for a photo. (Guy Fattal)
    Jewish and Muslim troops from the Gadsar 585 unit pose together for a photo. (Guy Fattal)
  • Troops from Gadsar 585, the IDF's Bedouin battalion. (Guy Fattal)
    Troops from Gadsar 585, the IDF's Bedouin battalion. (Guy Fattal)
  • A sign in Hebrew for Gadsar 585 says 'Welcome to the Desert Reconnaissance Unit.' (Guy Fattal)
    A sign in Hebrew for Gadsar 585 says 'Welcome to the Desert Reconnaissance Unit.' (Guy Fattal)
Photo essay'We are connected to this land and will fight to protect it'

An exclusive look into the faces of the IDF’s Bedouin battalion: Gadsar 585

A photographer joins a majority-Muslim IDF unit along Gaza’s southern border and shares the pain of this dedicated group of fighters and trackers as they mourn their war losses

Eylon, right, with troops from the Gadsar 585 unit. (Guy Fattal)

Last month, I journeyed to the southern border of Gaza to join the IDF’s Bedouin battalion, Gadsar 585. This unique unit, operating in the desert terrain of Israel’s south, has played a critical role in the country’s defense for decades. The battalion, mostly composed of Bedouin Muslims, stands out for its diverse makeup and its soldiers’ deep-rooted connection to the land they defend.

On the morning of October 7, while on leave and replaced by another unit, they were abruptly called into action as Hamas’s devastating onslaught unfolded, which ultimately saw 1,200 people murdered in southern Israel, mostly civilians, and 251 abducted to the Gaza Strip.

Despite the chaos, the intrinsic understanding of the terrain by Gadsar 585 troops proved crucial in responding to the crisis in the Kerem Shalom region.

The idea of Muslims serving in the IDF might not align with many preconceived notions. Yet, this is one of the defining features of Gadsar 585. In addition to the Bedouin majority, the battalion also includes Jewish, Arab Israeli, and Christian soldiers.

In conversations with the Muslim soldiers, it became clear that the horrific actions of Hamas on October 7 and beyond are antithetical to the values of Islam that they hold dear. Battalion commander Nader Iada passionately asserted that there is nothing in Islam or the Quran that justifies the atrocities of murder, rape, and kidnapping committed by Hamas.

“They [the terrorists] are not Muslims,” Iada stated firmly, rejecting any association of their actions with true Islamic teachings.

Jewish and Muslim troops from the Gadsar 585 unit pose for a photo. (Guy Fattal)

Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, Bedouin Israelis have consistently fought for the country. The term “Bedouin” comes from the Arabic word “Badawi,” meaning people of the land and the desert. For centuries, the Bedouins have lived in and with the desert, a way of life that gives them a unique perspective and connection to their environment.

Gadsar 585, which has always operated in the southern Gaza border region, exemplifies this connection. The battalion’s soldiers are not just fighters; they are stewards of the land, drawing on generations of knowledge to navigate and protect it.

Iada emphasized their enduring commitment: “We are connected to the land; this is our country and home, and we will keep fighting to protect it.” He highlighted how these values are deeply ingrained, as Bedouins continue to raise their children with a sense of duty and respect for the land they defend.

Beyond their military duties, the soldiers receive support in various forms—Hebrew lessons, driving classes, leadership seminars, and opportunities to complete their high school education. Scholarships and mentorship programs further assist them in transitioning to civilian life after their service.

Atta

Atta has served with Gadsar 585 for three years. (Guy Fattal)

Atta has served with the battalion for three years and is on the brink of transitioning to a career military role. He aspires to become an officer, seeing his military career as a pathway to a structured and disciplined life. Atta hopes his younger brother will follow in his footsteps and join the unit, continuing the family’s legacy of service.

Mohammad

Mohammad was given the prestigious President’s Excellence award in May. (Guy Fattal)

Mohammad, 25, from Bosmat Tivon, stands out in the battalion. Known for his no-nonsense demeanor, it’s no surprise he was awarded the prestigious President’s Excellence award in May.

Before joining the IDF in 2022, Mohammad worked in marketing with his father, traveled abroad, and studied veterinary medicine. Initially serving as a combat medic, he now acts as the squad commander’s right-hand man.

His serious expression reflects his belief in hard work and professionalism. Called from home on October 7, he and his squad commander quickly mobilized in response to the unfolding crisis. After his military service, Mohammad plans to pursue further education through the scholarship program and establish himself in the professional world.

Mahdi, Raleb, and Yosef

From left to right: Mahdi, Raleb, and Yosef joined Gadsar 585 out of a sense of duty. (Guy Fattal)

Mahdi, Raleb, and Yosef from Shibli joined the Bedouin battalion out of a profound sense of duty. They believe that as Israeli citizens, it’s their responsibility to defend the country and represent their people. Witnessing the indiscriminate violence of Hamas, they emphasized that the group’s actions violate the principles of Islam that they cherish. They also recognize the benefits of their military service, which helps them in future studies and careers, and instills values like honesty and resilience.

Yosef lightened the mood with a laugh, asking if I’d ever seen a red-headed Bedouin.

Ayub

Ayub, 23, from Zarzir, is a commanding officer in the battalion. Driven by a deep sense of duty to protect his country and family, Ayub decided to become an officer. He views his service as part of a cycle, believing that just as he serves now, his children will serve in the future. On October 7, he was at home for a holiday, but quickly mobilized to the Kerem Shalom region to join the fight.

Ami

Ami has dedicated 20 years to the IDF, enduring two combat injuries. (Guy Fattal)

Ami, from Zarzir, has dedicated 20 years to the IDF, enduring two combat injuries. Now responsible for the unit’s discipline, education, and logistics, Ami was a close friend of Assaf Hamami, the Southern Brigade commander who was killed on October 7. Before the war, Hamami had asked Ami to return to the Bedouin unit. Ami’s goal is to create a welcoming environment for all soldiers on the base, fostering a “winning family” mentality where respect and equality prevail.

Eylon

Eylon, a Jewish commander in Gadsar 585, feels integrated with his Bedouin soldiers. (Guy Fattal)

Eylon, a Jewish officer from Beersheba, has served as a squad commander in the Bedouin battalion for two years. During this time, he has developed a deep sense of brotherhood with the Bedouin community, feeling fully integrated and accepted. This bond has only strengthened since October 7. When I asked his soldiers about having an “outsider” as their commander, they all laughed, affirming that he’s now one of them.

Zeed

Zeed served as a tracker in the Bedouin battalion for 17 years. (Guy Fattal)

As the sun set and I was about to put my camera away, I met Zeed Mazarib. There was something in his eyes that compelled me to speak with him and take his photograph. Zeed, 34, from Beit Zarzir, served as a tracker in the Bedouin battalion for 17 years. We sat down as dusk fell, and he explained the critical role of trackers, who rely on their deep connection to the land to identify threats and ensure the safety of their forces.

He highlighted that growing up as shepherds, Bedouins are uniquely suited for the role of tracker.

Zeed served as a tracker in the Bedouin battalion for 17 years. He was recently killed in a Hamas ambush at the Kerem Shalom fence. (Guy Fattal)

On October 7, Zeed was at the Kerem Shalom base when Hamas attacked. He fought bravely, losing friends in the process. The memories of that day weighed heavily on him. Zeed, a father of two young children, shared the concern his family had for his safety.

As we parted ways, I asked Zeed to send regards to his cousin — Zeed’s neighbor with whom I had served in the military — the next time he saw him.

At 4 a.m. on June 6, the very next morning, three terrorists approached the Kerem Shalom fence through an attack tunnel. Zeed was among the first responders and was killed in the ensuing battle, leaving behind his wife and two children.

Guy Fattal is an Israeli photographer and speaker dedicated to sharing the rich and diverse cultures of Israeli society with global audiences.

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