Zamir: ‘IDF failed on October 7, but the female observers who were on duty did not fail’

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met this morning with new female surveillance soldiers drafted to the military today, in his first visit to an army induction center as IDF chief.

“We have great appreciation for the important security work of the female observers on all borders. The war proved more than ever that female observers are an essential part of maintaining the country’s security – you are the ‘eyes of the nation,'” he tells the soldiers.

“The IDF failed on October 7, but the female observers who were on duty did not fail. They were the first to act with courage and bravery under fire,” Zamir says.

At the Nahal Oz base on October 7, 16 surveillance soldiers were killed, and a further seven were abducted to Gaza.

Zamir also issues comments aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community, who largely don’t serve, saying: “The IDF’s stance is clear — equality in bearing the burden. Those who give more will receive more! Everyone must shoulder the stretcher of national security.”

During last year’s military draft, the Combat Intelligence Collection units — where surveillance soldiers serve — saw a 210% turnout. The military often funnels more conscripts than it actually needs to certain units, expecting a certain percentage to refuse the positions.

The soldiers of the intelligence collection units are tasked with monitoring surveillance cameras along Israel’s borders and in the West Bank and dispatching forces to potential incidents. The vast majority of those serving in the unit are female soldiers.