Article Title: The Magistrate who Saved the Sofa Outpost: An Unimaginable Act of Heroism
Subtitle: Lt. Col. Or Ben Yehuda Leads Karakal Force in Difficult Battle Against Terrorists
October 7th will forever be remembered as the day a courageous soldier, Lt. Col. Or Ben Yehuda, fought an intense battle at the Sofa outpost in the southern Gaza Strip. Dozens of terrorists had captured the outpost, leaving the soldiers from the Nahal Brigade trapped. The situation seemed dire, but with the arrival of Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda and her Karakal force, a glimmer of hope ignited.
For hours, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda and her forces engaged in a fierce battle, determined to rescue the besieged fighters and regain control of the outpost. Today, she recounts the moment she first saw the terrorists approaching and the fear for her friends’ lives during that fateful black Sabbath. Despite her concerns for her children at home and the soldiers on the battlefield, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda’s sole focus was to ensure the safe extraction of her comrades.
On the morning of Saturday, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda received a call requesting her assistance at the Sofa outpost. She vividly remembers the last message recorded for her by a fellow soldier, urging her to take care of herself as the area was heavily infested with terrorists. Undeterred, she immediately led her forces to the outpost.
The scene that awaited them was terrifying. Gunfire and explosions erupted from all directions as terrorists attacked from every angle. Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda soon realized that they were facing a mass attack, with hordes of terrorists pouring in on jeeps, motorcycles, and even foot. Amidst the chaos, her thoughts turned to her children and the lives of her fellow soldiers.
As Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda fought bravely, she received a message from a helicopter, addressing her directly and assuring her of their support. The battle to retake the outpost was grueling and lasted for 14 hours, but Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda and her forces persevered, purging the outpost of the terrorists. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, but victory was finally achieved.
In the midst of the battle, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda received heart-wrenching news. Her father, Major Avi Hovlashovili, had fallen in a battle with terrorists in Kibbutz Bari. The loss of a loved one made the battle even more personal for her. Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda’s cousin, who served in Golani and was stationed in Nahal Oz, was also tragically killed. The toll of the battle was not only measured in lives lost but also in the emotional weight carried by Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda.
This battle was not the first time Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda faced danger. In 2014, she fought off a terrorist squad along the Israel-Egypt border, sustaining injuries in the process. Determined to serve at the most combative posts, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda has always shown unwavering dedication to her fellow soldiers.
When asked about her aspirations for the future, Lt. Col. Ben Yehuda humbly expressed her hope to make a significant impact on a larger scale. However, her incredible act of heroism in this battle has already left an indelible mark on the lives of the soldiers she saved and the nation she serves.
Lt. Col. Or Ben Yehuda’s bravery and selflessness will forever be remembered as she faced overwhelming odds to rescue her fellow soldiers. Her unwavering dedication and fighting spirit serve as a shining example to all, reminding us of the incredible sacrifices made by our military personnel.