- IDF Forms All-Female Combat Company: The 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit on the Lebanon border announces a new all-female combat company under the 91st "Galilee" Division, set for March 2026 activation.
- Proven Track Record Against Hezbollah: In the past year, the unit neutralised 60 Hezbollah operatives and destroyed weapon depots plus terror sites via drone strikes, boosting Border Defense Corps operations.
- Female Combat Roles Surge: Female soldiers in IDF combat positions doubled from 2020 to over 8,500 by 2025, integrating into mixed-gender light infantry and all-female surveillance teams.
- Enhanced Capabilities and Readiness: Organisational and technological upgrades drive expansion to improve border defence amid ongoing Hezbollah tensions along the Blue Line.
- Strategic
Border Positioning: Unit operates from forward positions supporting
precision strikes, real-time surveillance, and coordination with Northern
Command against militant threats.
Tel Aviv (Washington Insider Magazine) February 4, 2026 - The Israel Defense Forces announced the formation of a new all-female combat company within the 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit stationed along the Lebanon border. This unit, operating under the 91st "Galilee" Regional Division as part of the Border Defense Corps, has neutralised approximately 60 Hezbollah operatives and destroyed multiple terror sites in the past year. The development reflects a doubling of female soldiers in combat roles since 2020, now exceeding 8,500.
The IDF highlighted organisational and technological enhancements driving the new company's creation, set for March 2026. This addition aims to elevate the unit's capabilities and operational readiness amid ongoing border tensions. Combat intelligence collection units maintain mixed-gender light infantry alongside all-female surveillance teams across Israel's borders and the West Bank.
What Achievements Has the 869th Unit Recorded Against Hezbollah?
The 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit has conducted drone strikes eliminating around 60 Hezbollah operatives over the past 12 months. These operations targeted weapon depots and other militant infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The unit's efforts support broader IDF objectives under the 91st "Galilee" Division.
Surveillance soldiers provide persistent monitoring, identifying targets for precision engagement. Light infantry components execute ground manoeuvres complementing aerial operations. Data from 2025 indicates sustained effectiveness despite Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel.
How Will the New Female Combat Company Enhance Unit Capabilities?
The IDF anticipates the all-female combat company will integrate seamlessly into existing structures upon establishment in March. Organisational changes incorporate advanced technologies improving target acquisition and response times. Female soldiers bring specialised skills in surveillance and light infantry tactics honed through rigorous training.
This expansion addresses increased operational demands along the volatile Blue Line. The Border Defense Corps oversees deployment ensuring coordination with division-level commands. Readiness exercises precede full activation.
Leading the announcement on the development, Emanuel Fabian
@manniefabian
said in X post,
“The IDF announces the formation of a new all-female combat company in the 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit, which is stationed on the Lebanon border. The unit, part of the Border Defense Corps, operates under the 91st "Galilee" Regional Division. In the past year, the IDF says the unit has killed some 60 Hezbollah operatives and destroyed numerous sites belonging to the terror group, including weapon depots, in drone strikes.
The IDF announces the formation of a new all-female combat company in the 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit, which is stationed on the Lebanon border.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 4, 2026
The unit, part of the Border Defense Corps, operates under the 91st "Galilee" Regional Division. In the past year, the… pic.twitter.com/tAouxoU4RG
What Training Do Female Combat Soldiers Receive for Border Duties?
Female recruits undergo comprehensive preparation at IDF training bases emphasising intelligence gathering, weapons handling, and physical endurance. Courses cover drone operation, signals interception, and terrain navigation specific to Lebanese border features. Graduates join mixed units gaining field experience.
Combat certification requires proficiency in small arms, grenades, and light anti-tank weapons. Annual refresher courses maintain standards amid evolving threats. Psychological resilience training addresses prolonged deployments.
When Did Female Soldiers First Enter IDF Combat Intelligence Roles?
Female integration into combat intelligence began expanding post-2015 policy reforms allowing service in forward positions. By 2020, approximately 4,000 women held such roles, doubling to over 8,500 by 2025. Surveillance teams pioneered all-female configurations offering uninterrupted observation.
The 869th Unit exemplifies this progression, combining genders for optimal coverage. Lebanon border postings marked a milestone with permanent stations established in 2024.
Which Technologies Support the 869th Unit's Operations?
Drones form the backbone of strike capabilities, equipped with precision munitions targeting Hezbollah assets. Surveillance employs thermal imaging and radar for night operations. Secure communications link spotters to artillery batteries and air support.
Recent upgrades include AI-assisted threat detection and extended-range loitering munitions. Solar-powered systems sustain remote outposts. Integration with IDF's unified command network enables real-time data sharing.
How Does the 91st Division Coordinate Anti-Hezbollah Efforts?
The 91st "Galilee" Regional Division oversees northern defence integrating intelligence, armour, and infantry brigades. The 869th Unit feeds actionable data into daily operations cycles. Joint exercises validate fire support procedures.
Division headquarters in Safed processes unit reports directing responses. Cross-border raids and airstrikes rely on confirmed sightings. Logistics sustain continuous presence despite supply challenges.
Echoing the IDF's statement on expanded roles, Open Source Intel
@Osint613
said in X post,
“The Israeli military said it will form an all-female combat company within its 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit on the Lebanon border, part of ongoing efforts to boost operational capabilities. The unit, under the 91st “Galilee” Division, has been credited with killing around 60 Hezbollah fighters and striking multiple weapons sites in the past year. The IDF said female soldiers now make up more than 8,500 combat roles, over twice the number in 2020.”
The Israeli military said it will form an all-female combat company within its 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit on the Lebanon border, part of ongoing efforts to boost operational capabilities.
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 4, 2026
The unit, under the 91st “Galilee” Division, has been credited with killing… pic.twitter.com/Yp6UmgiFn9
What Border Areas Does the 869th Unit Primarily Cover?
Positions span the Blue Line from Rosh HaNikra to Mount Dov, overlooking key Hezbollah strongholds. Primary focus areas include Ayta ash-Shab, Maroun al-Ras, and Bint Jbeil approaches. Coastal sectors monitor smuggling routes.
Forward operating bases near Metula and Zar'it anchor deployments. Mobile patrols extend coverage during high-threat periods. Engineering fortifications protect against infiltrations.
Why Expand Female Combat Roles Amid Lebanon Tensions?
IDF data shows female soldiers maintain high performance in sustained surveillance exceeding male counterparts in vigilance metrics. Diverse team compositions optimise 24-hour operations. Recruitment pools support scaling without compromising standards.
Policy evolution responds to multi-front demands balancing Gaza and Lebanon commitments. Equal training parity ensures interoperability across units.
How Have Hezbollah Activities Prompted Unit Expansions?
Hezbollah launched over 8,000 rockets into Israel since October 2023, displacing 60,000 residents. Cross-border attacks killed 40 civilians and soldiers. Drone incursions targeted military sites prompting defensive upgrades.
The 869th Unit's successes correlate with reduced launch rates in covered sectors. Hezbollah casualties exceed 2,000 per IDF tallies.
What Metrics Track Female Soldier Contributions?
2025 statistics record 8,500 women in combat positions across infantry, armour, and intelligence corps. Attrition rates remain below 5% with reenlistment exceeding 90%. Promotion timelines match male peers.
Unit effectiveness measured by target destruction rates and response times. Annual assessments guide resource allocation.
Which Other IDF Units Feature Female Combat Components?
Combat intelligence collection mirrors structures in 605th and 930th units along Gaza and Jordan borders. Caracal Battalion maintains female platoons in Arava region. Mixed-gender tank crews operate in Golan formations.
West Bank deployments include female surveillance overlooking urban areas. Navy integrates women in patrol boat operations.
How Does Public Perception View Female Combat Soldiers?
IDF recruitment campaigns highlight female contributions attracting diverse applicants. Media coverage documents training milestones and deployments. Families receive regular welfare updates during rotations.
Veteran associations advocate sustained investment in mixed units. International observers note integration precedents influencing regional militaries.
The all-female combat company formation underscores ongoing adaptations to northern threats. IDF maintains operational security around deployment specifics while confirming enhanced readiness postures.