Deep Inside Syria: IDF's Female Field Intelligence Unit Spying

The Magazine recently spent time with a team of female field intelligence soldiers operating in Syria, including a visit to Position 720 at the tri-border area of Israel, Syria, and Jordan. The group included IDF Battalion 595 Commander Lt. Col. G, his Operations Officer Maj. M, and intelligence soldiers S, D, and Vthree of whom are femalewho shared insights into the realities of covert operations in Syria to maintain Israels strategic edge.

The three women specialize in drone-based field intelligence. Although drones might suggest remote observation, these soldiers operate in high-risk zones, controlling tactical drones on the ground to directly interpret what the devices capture. Maj. M noted that since the 2023-2025 conflict, drone deployment within the IDF has increased dramatically, with nearly every platoon commander, and sometimes even individual soldiers, now managing drones to gather frontline intelligence.

Lt. Col. G explained that effective drone use requires selecting the proper flight height. Flying too low provides detailed surveillance but risks detection, alerting targets and undermining the operation. Conversely, higher altitudes reduce resolution but improve stealth.

Battalion 595 has been instrumental in identifying and capturing Iranian operatives, Hamas members, jihadists, and other threats within Israels Syrian security zone. Soldiers S, D, and V exemplify a new generation of confident combat women, directly contributing to Israels post-October 7 strategy of proactive engagement in hostile areas.

S, who had served for two and a half years at the time of the interview, described her evolution from a soldier with no combat expectations to an experienced field intelligence officer. Before the December 2024 IDF intervention in Syria and the establishment of a buffer zone, her deployments were limited, as there were no Israeli bases inside Syria. Following the intervention, S spent extended periods near Position 720 and the Yarmuk River, often operating for up to two weeks with minimal rest, guiding operations in real-time, including missions beyond the buffer zone with the 890 Paratroopers Unit.

D shared that their operations are mostly nocturnal to reduce risk and enhance stealth. Her unit monitors movement in and out of key structures and sometimes spends hours preparing intricate traps for high-value targets. V, with over two years of service, detailed her involvement in capturing new areas for the buffer zone and coordinating with paratrooper units on deep incursions into Syrian territory.

In July, the IDF acknowledged failing to prevent Israeli Druze from crossing into Syria. Lt. Col. G emphasized that handling Israeli citizens in conflict zones falls primarily to police forces, as the IDF is trained for neutralizing hostile forces rather than crowd control. However, he hopes early warnings will allow both police and military to block border incursions and minimize risk. Maj. M stressed that intelligence on Druze and Sweida populations is critical to maintain operational readiness and prevent future surprises.

Operations Against Iranian and Jihadist Threats

Lt. Col. G described how arrests or strikes against Iranian or jihadist targets depend on multiple factors, including timing when targets are isolated, understanding local routines, and assessing vehicles and support networks. Decisions on whether to arrest or eliminate a target typically come from senior commanders, though G may adjust plans if missions encounter complications. He recounted one operation in Syria where he established a mobile forward command center to manage the mission effectively up close.

Author: Sophia Brooks