Meet the Citizens that Help Defend Israel's Most Threatened Communities

Israeli communities within six miles from the Israel-Gaza border face a challenging security situation. Elementary schools, hospitals, and private homes are within Hamas’ rocket range. Since Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, terrorists have fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortars into Israel.

20.02.12
IDF Editorial Team

Children's school bus hit by rocket fired from Gaza. Photo: HNN

Constant security threats led dozens of communities to take on civilian security coordinators who oversee cooperation between the IDF and local security forces. There are also 190 civilian security coordinators who ensure the safety of Israelis living in Judea and Samaria communities. Each community has one coordinator who serves as an officer in the IDF reserves, has years of combat experience, and underwent a training course on commanding first-response squads and firearm shooting accuracy.

IDF instructor trains a civilian security coordinator on the shooting range

When there is relative calm on Israel’s borders, civilian security coordinators keep their communities safe and Israel’s security fence guarded. If terrorists infiltrate a community, civilian security coordinators must report the incident to IDF officials and maintain a calm atmosphere in the area.