A Soldier’s Best Friend: Meet the Dogs of the IDF's K9 Unit

The soldiers of the Oketz ("Sting") K9 Commando Unit train together with their four-legged friends for months, creating an unbreakable bond of trust and friendship. Together, Oketz soldiers and their dogs hold a number of essential capabilities, including the locating and defusing of explosive devices, thwarting attempted smugglings of drugs and weapons into Israeli territory and warning soldiers of the presence of terrorist operatives and assailants.

After their complex training, Oketz soldiers and dogs join other units and special forces for various types of operational activities. Most recently, the unit participated in the focused counterterrorism efforts conducted in the Jenin area during the month of July, where they saved countless lives by identifying explosive devices before the forces detonated them.

Many Oketz soldiers are able to continue their journey into civilian life with their dogs when they are released. 

Happy International Dog Day to all the brave dogs who help keep the State of Israel safe!