Elite Force Parents Demand Conceptual Change in IDF Fighting in Jenin

Photo Credit: Abir Sultan/Flash90

An IDF Egoz unit soldier during combat exercise.

Dozens of parents of fighters in the Egoz elite unit have sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, saying: “We demand a change in the concept of fighting in Jenin, especially in light of the fact that serious terrorists were released there (in exchange for Hamas hostages – DI).” The parents demanded, “Flattening the city, not battles in alleys, elimination, not neutralization.”

פרסמנו במהדורה | עשרות הורי לוחמי אגוז במכתב לראש הממשלה ושר הביטחון: ״דורשים את שינוי הקונספציה בלחימה בג’נין, במיוחד לאור העובדה ששוחררו לשם מחבלים כבדים. שיטוח העיר ולא קרבות בסימטאות, חיסול ולא ניטרול״. pic.twitter.com/dnFzuWPUA4

— הלל ביטון רוזן | Hallel Bitton Rosen (@BittonRosen) January 25, 2025

The letter stated:

Subject: Concerns and Demands Regarding the Jenin Operation

As parents of Egoz fighters who are courageously risking their lives in defense of Israel on all fronts—especially since the Simchat Torah massacre—we feel compelled to voice our concerns and demands regarding the ongoing operation in Jenin.

Throughout the fighting, we have unfortunately witnessed instances of unnecessary risks, as well as deficient morality and decision-making that have exacted heavy tolls on the unit. Recently, under the terms of the hostage deal, numerous dangerous terrorists were released, including some to the Judea and Samaria regions. Alarmingly, it is clear that many of them have already resumed preparing for further attacks against the people of Israel.

As our sons now enter combat in the perilous streets of Jenin, a city saturated with armed terrorists wielding explosives and anti-tank missiles, we demand the following measures be implemented immediately to ensure their safety and success:

1. Heavy Air and Artillery Support:
Before ground forces enter the city, we demand preliminary softening through airstrikes and artillery fire. Our sons should not be forced into “cops and robbers” scenarios in narrow alleys where terrorists have the advantage. The safety of our soldiers must take precedence over the enemy population that supports these militants.

2. Demolition of Hostile Infrastructure:
We urge the use of tools such as D-9 bulldozers to level buildings that serve as terrorist strongholds. This proven strategy, used effectively in Gaza and Lebanon, ensures that “buildings fall, soldiers stand.” Allowing these structures to remain intact unnecessarily endangers the lives of our soldiers.

3. Elimination of Terrorists, Not Arrests:
Our sons should not be placed at risk to arrest terrorists who could eventually be released in future deals. Their mission should be clear: eliminate threats to secure Israel’s victory. This approach aligns with the purpose of their recruitment into such an elite unit.

These demands apply to all IDF soldiers under your command, but we raise them as parents with direct experience of the sacrifices made by our sons on the front lines. Their safety, morale, and mission success must remain your utmost priority.

Sincerely,
Parents of Egoz Fighters

The Egoz Unit (lit. “Walnut Unit,” with Egoz serving as an acronym for “anti-guerrilla and small-scale warfare”) is an elite commando unit within the IDF. Officially designated as Unit 621, Egoz operates under the IDF Central Command’s 89th Brigade, commonly known as the Commando Brigade.

The unit specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare, special reconnaissance, and direct-action missions. Its expertise lies in combat within dense terrain, emphasizing fieldcraft, camouflage, and guerrilla tactics, where individual skill and professionalism are critical to achieving mission success. While Egoz operates across all terrains and theaters, it primarily focuses on the northern sector of Israel.

A unique aspect of the Egoz Unit is its ordnance platoon, which is tasked with developing innovative solutions to address emerging battlefield challenges. This includes designing creative technologies to counter new methods of enemy attacks and enhance the unit’s operational effectiveness.

Renowned for its precision and adaptability, the Egoz Unit remains one of the most formidable and versatile forces within the IDF.