AUGUST 30, 2026 15:37

"I nearly took a direct hit," Lt.-Col. (res.) Eli Zilberman shared with Walla during a Saturday discussion, recounting one of the IDF's initial actions in northern Gaza early in the conflict with Hamas in November 2023.

In that mission, the 162nd Division advanced on Hamas' security compound during the breach of Gaza City's outer defenses. The effort ended with troops uncovering a site featuring a vast tunnel network for moving fighters and allowing senior leaders to flee, along with data storage facilities, arms manufacturing workshops, and a central command hub for the entire region.

"This marked one of the IDF's opening engagements in northern Gaza," Zilberman noted. "We moved into one of the toughest combat zones, facing an overwhelming number of militants. There, commanders first had to navigate narrow streets and a nearby school in direct confrontations. We soon understood this was a new form of warfare that would stretch on."

The most critical instant occurred when he stepped out of the command post to guide a remote aircraft operator. Within moments, a sniper targeted him, with the round striking just inches away.

"I rushed back inside and felt furious at myself: 'How careless can you be. At 36 years old, acting like a child eager to watch everything up close, ignoring the weight of duty and the family waiting at home, which should keep you far more alert,'" he recounted.

Forming a fresh reserve unit after October 7

Heavy combat persisted on every front. Zilberman kept serving as a leader and combatant across multiple theaters while General Staff reviews proceeded. Those examinations confirmed what was already evident: the IDF needed more regular and reserve combat personnel, especially forces ready for immediate deployment in sudden crises.

On October 7, the IDF confronted a shortfall of tens of thousands of armed troops who could swiftly reach the Gaza frontier, form into units, halt the Hamas incursion to stop the slaughter and seizure of hundreds from border communities, and secure the violated line.

To close the serious shortfalls revealed that day, Zilberman received orders in 2025 to build the Tzuri Battalion from scratch. This formed part of a wider General Staff initiative under Brig.-Gen. Oren Simcha to create David brigades aimed at narrowing the combat manpower deficit.

Expanding reserve capabilities rose to a top priority after October 7, as the military sought stronger rapid-response options against new dangers.

The General Staff effort turned into a notable achievement. It drew in reserve troops no longer tied to combat units, plus volunteers who had finished service years before.

More than 20 reserve battalions have since been raised at different readiness stages, using troops who store personal arms, rifles, and protective equipment at home. This setup cuts response times sharply during emergencies.

These units focus on light, mobile roles to deliver quick and adaptable support against emerging risks, block infiltrations, and guard borders plus interior zones, each with a set operational plan and assigned sector.

While active in the Maccabim zone, Zilberman remarked this week: "The battalion formation started roughly two years ago. This marks the first full gathering as a complete unit, not for drills but for actual defense and offense duties under the Benjamin Regional Brigade, handling all the sector's challenges."

Initial doubts arose in the Judea and Samaria Division about whether the unit could handle its assigned task of securing a 50 km seam line and building a protective ring around Modi'in and nearby communities.

Over time, with proven results, Central Command broadened the battalion's role to include offensive tasks such as arrests, security sweeps, searches in difficult terrain, and eventually full battalion operations.

Shifting from rapid response to regular night missions

"This represents, in my assessment, one of the key stages a new battalion can achieve," Zilberman stated. "I entered the formation process while still engaged in Gaza fighting. It grew like a wave: I brought in a deputy commander, and the structure expanded gradually. Everyone helped recruit others."

"Then something remarkable occurred: Through the friend-brings-a-friend approach, a complete battalion emerged with every role and support structure filled. Fighters here come from all infantry brigades, the strongest available."

Reserve personnel have been vital to Israel's wartime call-up, with thousands returning to duty as the IDF broadened actions on several fronts.

Nearly every night the battalion conducts offensive moves in Palestinian villages, detaining suspects and searching for arms and dual-use items tied to terrorism.

"As in Gaza, defense here occurs not at the gate but past the fence lines, aiming to hold threats away from roads and communities," the commander explained.

Unit successes cover more than 10 detentions, over 100 infiltrators stopped with 30 sent to prison, strong intelligence ties, weapons finds including IDF uniforms in a Palestinian residence, and three battalion-scale operations at contact points.

The IDF has stressed the value of stopping attacks before they reach Israeli areas, especially near sensitive borders and population centers.

Zilberman highlighted that fighter motivation stands as the battalion's greatest strength.

"No single factor explains it. Perhaps it stems from the weight of this time, the mission's importance, and the wish to join this hard fight since October 7," he said.

When asked what his battalion would have done at 6:29 a.m. on October 7 had it existed then, Zilberman replied:

"It would have gathered from homes at once, and within 15 minutes received a location to advance toward, with weapons and vests ready in safes. A rapid battalion trained to deliver exactly the organized, fast response inside the borders that we lacked so badly on October 7."

Near the close of the talk, Zilberman addressed the families backing the reservists.

"Without real support at home for every reservist, we could not sustain today's security level in Israel. These families merit daily recognition. They stand out among the outstanding, and the people of Israel must never forget that."