Civilian defense squads in Israeli communities near the Gaza border are undergoing rigorous training to prepare for and respond to terror attacks similar to the one carried out by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Magen48, an organization established in July 2024, has partnered with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to conduct these drills, aiming to equip local communities with the skills and coordination needed to manage incidents until professional forces arrive.
The training involves full-scale exercises that simulate terrorist infiltrations, testing the response capabilities of kibbutz security teams. One such drill took place at Kibbutz Bror Hayil, located adjacent to the Gaza border. Participants rehearsed responding to scenarios like terrorists infiltrating the kibbutz kindergarten, a situation requiring the defense squad to operate under pressure, account for civilian presence, manage limited visibility, and neutralize threats while ensuring safe evacuation.
Magen48, named after the 48 first responders killed on Oct. 7, has trained approximately 1,500 civilians in emergency response since its inception. The program offers training days annually for communities in the Gaza Envelope, covering various scenarios including terrorist attacks, medical emergencies, and fires. The exercises progressively increase in complexity, with teams practicing weapon handling, teamwork, and communication skills in simulated combat environments. Due to the civilian setting, no live ammunition is used, and all weapons are secured to prevent accidents. Residents are notified in advance of such drills.
Counterterrorism expert Ehud Dribben, who co-founded Magen48, highlighted that the training emphasizes establishing a unified operational language among neighboring communities. This allows for effective coordination and mutual support during a crisis. The organization's efforts are directly informed by lessons learned from the Oct. 7 attacks, where many civilian responders acted alone and lacked adequate training and equipment.
Ari Briggs, another co-founder, stated that well-trained civilian response teams not only bolster security but also contribute to community cohesion and resilience. Retired British Col. Richard Kemp, who has observed the training, emphasized the importance of such preparedness in the face of potential threats, noting that readiness is crucial for a country like Israel.
These exercises aim to ensure that local defense squads can manage an event until IDF forces arrive, then transition control smoothly while continuing to support the response. The training sharpens skills and builds confidence within communities that they are prepared to face future threats and ensure their towns can continue to grow and thrive.