Amid the rising tensions between the United States and Iran this week, the Home Front Command is set to receive major reinforcements, in the form of a brand new search and rescue unit. The first company of the Fifth Battalion of Home Front Command’s Rescue Brigade completed its eight-month training course last week, while the second company began its advanced training last week and will soon follow suit in becoming fully operational.
Nicknamed “The Lion Battalion,” the unit was originally formed in response to the October 7th attack. During routine operations, the battalion’s fighters serve as a light infantry unit, handling security tasks in one of the sectors. However, in an emergency, they transition to their role as the Home Front Command’s search-and-rescue unit, operating within IDF training zones or in civilian areas.
Although the battalion was not yet fully operational during the 12-Day War with Iran, its commanders were already deployed in disaster zones in Rishon Lezion, Bnei Brak, Bat Yam, and Ramat Gan, rescuing trapped civilians. In this way, the battalion began to accumulate a combat record, even before its official formation.
Capt. A, commander of the first company, has overseen the integration of the first recruits into the new battalion over the past eight months.
He explained that, if Israel faces missile attacks from Iran or other regions like Lebanon, Yemen, or Syria, and large-scale destruction requires rescue operations, a battalion like his could be called into action. “We are prepared starting this week for any rescue event,” said Capt. A.
At just 23 years old, Capt. A grew up in Nahariya and enlisted in the IDF in August 2020 with the “Shahar” 498 battalion – the IDF’s search-and-rescue battalion comprised of soldiers in their mandatory service. Throughout his service, he progressed through various command roles, including squad commander, platoon commander, and deputy company commander.
As part of preparations for leading the first company of the “Lion” battalion, Capt. A conducted search-and-rescue operations during the 12-Day War.
Ready to jump into action at any moment
Capt. A told Ma’ariv about the Home Front Command’s Rescue Brigade’s unique nature.
“We are capable of conducting rescue operations under rubble and saving the lives of civilians,” he said, adding, “We are going to be holding a position in the West Bank. But the moment we are needed [elsewhere], we will leave the West Bank to carry out the mission.” He continues, “Right after the war [with Iran] began, we were deployed as a rescue force. We left our houses and began the rescues.”
Capt. A excitedly described the festive atmosphere and the historic significance within the unit: “The motivation here is sky-high. Yesterday, after more than seven months of intense, grueling training, the company received the orange beret during an emotional march – just before transitioning to operational status. Next week, we will go for training ahead of our operational deployment, and on Sunday, the new platoon commander will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“In addition to the final march of the training course, a company march will be held at Mt. Eitan to mark the battalion’s inauguration and the unveiling of the company’s official name, which will start with the letter ‘A.'”