New documentation released this evening (Wednesday) shows the moments of the Golani patrol's battle on the banks of the Litani River in southern Lebanon on November 26, 2024 - exactly a year ago.
The incident occurred in the final phase of the fighting in the northern arena, as the force crossed the river line towards the village of Deir Mimas.
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Major N., then commander of Company A in Sayeret Golani, tells Lia Pohorils from the IDF website that the unit trained for a long time for the mission. "We arrived after a long period of preparation for this mission. We practiced the combat procedure many times before, and the unit arrived trained for the thickets and mountains of Lebanon.".
There were three squads on site, and A's mission was to scan the forested target. "We started gathering intelligence in the area, and we arrived at a Hezbollah-controlled route. Then, we realized that we had arrived at the location with serious preparations.".
About 150 meters before the channels split, one of the fighters in the force spotted a tunnel shaft: next to it was laundry hanging on a rope, and around it were several charges. "We sent up a drone, which detected a large quantity of weapons in the tunnel. But after a few meters, it lost control, fell, and left 5 meters 'dead' where we had no idea what was in them. At the same time, one platoon covered the continuation of the movement while another force isolated the shaft.".
The IDF faced a difficult command dilemma, centered on the question of whether to send forces in, even though the area had not been mapped. His solution was to bring in a dog with a camera that broadcast to the screen: "Suddenly an armed terrorist appeared, and within a moment he started shooting bursts. I understood that a clash had begun, which probably originated from a shaft.".
At this point, the patrol commanders made several decisions: "The SMAGD took my detachment team, and positioned himself so that he controlled the fire and observation. At this time, I ordered my reserve force to be reduced to the scene of the encounter, in case there were any wounded.".
Later, the commander ordered another fighter to throw a grenade into the shaft, to silence the shooting coming from it. "We began exchanging fire without being able to identify the shooter with our eyes. I asked for another drone to be put into the air, and after a few seconds we were finally able to find the terrorist.".
N. only managed to update his commander before he heard a large explosion inside the tunnel.
At this point, Major N. decided on the following tactic: advancing the machine guns to the front line, and after each round of their fire - advancing 10 meters towards the source of the shooting. "At the end of five such rounds, I identified a tunnel exit shaft, containing an APC mask: which made me realize that the blast and dust probably did not kill the terrorist, and he managed to escape.".
The fighters continued to advance to the point where the Litani River splits, near the village of Deir Mimas. On their way, they saw the backpacks the terrorist had left behind during the battle, and his keffiyeh, which had apparently fallen from the impact. When the pursuit ended, intelligence confirmed his death.
Major N.: "Hezbollah turned the paradise of the Litani into hell on earth: When we captured the area between Deir Mimas and the Litani, we began a search - and every 50 meters, we found launchers and mortars. When the area was declared clean, we received orders to blow up all the weapons that were in the shaft: Kornet missiles, mortars, RPGs, Kalashnikovs, and more. After completing the sabotage work inside the tunnel - everything was destroyed.".
Major N. sees the Litani as a distinct symbol of the Golani Patrol. "It's exciting to arrive at this place, which is so significant in the history of the unit. I was educated on the stories about the Beaufort Ridge, and seeing it above you while scanning the river is a feeling that is difficult to describe in words.".
The road there was a very long one: "We maneuvered in Lebanon throughout the entire period under the leadership of Lt. Col. D., and thanks to that, we were already used to getting into trouble. The Litani was the 'finale' for us, and we reached it in good shape. From there, we continued on to other destinations in Lebanon, Syria, and also Gaza - and everyone here in Sayret knows very well that he made history in the last war, not just in this specific operation.".
When Major N. is in these documents, he is overwhelmed with pride and special excitement. "It's an unusual feeling, to see with my own eyes the achievements that my fighters brought with their own hands. I am glad that I had the privilege of fighting in the Golani patrol at this historic moment, and I still can't digest that a year has passed, in which a lot has changed - and a lot is about to change.".
