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.

Analysis of Israel's Tactical Operations in Syria

The recent operations in Syria, as detailed in the field reports of Battalion 595, showcase Israel's evolving military strategy in maintaining a strategic edge. The enhanced use of drone technology, particularly in covert operations within hostile territories, has proven to be a game-changer. With female soldiers like S, D, and V playing key roles in managing these drones, it’s clear that Israel is tapping into every available resource to maintain surveillance and target high-value threats.

One of the core factors driving success in these operations is the use of tactical drones. The ability to balance the flight altitude of drones to avoid detection while still capturing essential intelligence highlights the nuanced approach of the IDF. This blend of technology and field expertise allows Israel to conduct precise intelligence gathering even in the most high-risk zones, such as the tri-border area of Syria, Jordan, and Israel. Lt. Col. G’s observations regarding operational timing and height management underscore the sophistication of modern warfare in these regions.

Beyond technology, the human element remains indispensable. The soldiers in Battalion 595, especially the women involved, have become emblematic of a new wave of combatants who push the boundaries of traditional roles in military operations. As these soldiers evolve in their field intelligence capacities, they are contributing to a broader strategic shift within the IDF, particularly in the context of Israel's proactive post-October 7 engagement in Syria.

Despite the successes in combat and intelligence gathering, challenges persist. The issue of Israeli Druze crossing into Syria reflects the complexity of managing borders and civilian involvement in conflict zones. While Lt. Col. G and Maj. M’s insights into the limitations of military jurisdiction are important, the focus on intelligence-sharing between the police and military is crucial to minimizing risks. As these operations continue, maintaining this coordination will be key to preventing future security lapses.

In conclusion, the IDF’s approach to the Syrian conflict, marked by the innovative use of drones and the critical role of field intelligence, represents a significant adaptation to modern warfare. However, challenges remain, particularly in managing local populations and preventing inadvertent incursions. As these dynamics evolve, the strategic impact of such operations will likely redefine Israel’s military posture in the region.

Sources:

• Inside the IDF’s female field intelligence unit spying deep inside Syria