The IDF Spokesperson reports that a ceremony was held yesterday in honor of the IDF's Gaza Division trackers, with the participation of Gaza Division Head Brig.-Gen. Gadi Shamni, Southern Command Trackers Unit Commander Col. Pini Ganon, and Gaza Trackers Unit Commander Maj. Salah Alhaib.
Many if not all the trackers are Bedouin soldiers. First Sergeant Awshla, for instance, who was one of nine trackers awarded certificates of excellence yesterday, said, "Nearly my whole family had done service in the Israeli army, so I felt it my duty." He said that he received the award "because of our unit's outstanding tracking work. We capture weapons, prevent infiltrations and thwart attacks. Our work also includes searching for hidden explosive devices and catching terrorists who attempt to cross the border under the pretext that they work in Israel."
Gen. Shamni said, "I've heard it said that trackers have a sixth sense. In my opinion, tracking also requires deep thought. A tracker has to put himself in the enemy's shoes, and it takes many years of experience to be able to carry out the work done by these soldiers." Col. Ganon said, "The tracker unit has been operating intensively in the Gaza Strip over the past two years, day and night, working to thwart terrorist activity and protect the residents of the area. During this time, not one terrorist has succeeded in crossing from Gaza into Israel to carry out a terrorist attack."