The Lionesses of the IDF: Female Fighters Making History in the Gaza Strip

the tactical thinking and in identifying things. The girls bring freshness and it’s good for everyone. It’s a different spirit. Everyone feels motivated and with a strong sense of purpose.”The team receives food and water from an IDF cook who prepares meals with her detail in a combat tent, the first cook. “This is what we mobilized for,” says Sergeant First Class Tomer, on the line with food in his hand nearing sunset. “You can only reach a high level of cooperation and effectiveness with the women’s integration. From day one there is a basic understanding. War is war.”The battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dana Zakai, who is also a mother of four, has been personally involved in building the battalion for several years. She now enthusiastically describes the trip to the Gaza Strip as part of the path Corinthians have chosen. “The Cheetah’s assignment in the last two weeks is the best practical expression of what I have wanted to achieve in this unit. The female fighters left a deep impression and showed that they are capable of reaching operational achievements of the same degree as the fighters,” Zakai says. “A lot of people have invested in and supported this battalion. I’ve been carrying a stigma with this project for years,” she adds. “Now it’s gone. There’s something to talk about here.”Yuval, the pleasant and determined commander, could not be happier, but shrugs when asked when she will go on vacation later. “It’s incredible, but I don’t think about it. This is the only employee I know right now.” And for a good reason. The Cheetahs did show here their physical and mental strengths. Far from Rafah, sniper squads wait in direction and protection. When the shooting stops – there’s also time to sleep, using dead ends in a narrow alley.Cheetah fighters in the Gaza Strip (Photo: Tal Shalu)The feeling that they are becoming part of history, intensifies their stamina, morale and motivation. The fighters walk between the buildings that have become their battleground and take turns watching, observing and firing at the target. They also show the ability to bring from back in the band ice cream and sweets to their friends in the other teams. “The situation here is like a small village,” Yuval says with a huge smile. “They feel at home and act the most remarkably. It’s just amazing.”delivr(âm)