The Israel Dog Unit (IDU), a nonprofit organization specializing in working dogs, took part in an extended overnight training exercise this week alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Haruv special forces unit, marking a first-of-its-kind drill for the Haruv unit.
The 12-hour exercise, conducted overnight on the eighth night of Hanukkah, took place in challenging terrain that combined dense natural areas with urban environments in northern Israel. Before the exercise began, soldiers and handlers gathered for a symbolic moment, lighting the eighth and final Hanukkah candle together in the field alongside their commanders.
According to organizers, IDU handlers portrayed opposing forces during the exercise, allowing Haruv soldiers to practice decision-making and maneuvering under pressure. Commanders from both units emphasized the mutual benefits of the cooperation, noting that the joint training enhances the readiness of IDF combat soldiers while further developing the IDU’s capabilities in search-and-rescue operations and the pursuit of terrorists.
The drill focused on escape and evasion scenarios, simulating conditions that could arise deep inside enemy territory. During the exercise, IDU teams deployed specially trained dogs, drones, all-terrain vehicles, and additional specialized equipment. The integration of canine units and advanced technology was designed to mirror real-world operational challenges and improve coordination between forces.
“It is a great privilege for IDU volunteers to participate in such an exercise,” said IDU director Yekutiel Ben-Yaakov. “We welcome the special cooperation with Haruv and are proud to assist the IDF in training its soldiers. The exercise significantly upgraded the search and detection capabilities of our handlers and drone operators, as well as those of the soldiers. We saw highly motivated soldiers committed to defending Israel’s civilians during this complex period.”