Israeli Civilians and IDF Hold Joint Drill Simulating Terrorist Attack on Gaza Border Kibbutz

Fox News reported that Magen48 conducted its eighth training session with the Israel Defense Forces at Kibbutz Bror Hayil, a community adjacent to the Gaza border. The full-scale drill involved the local civilian defense squad and simulated terrorists infiltrating the kibbutz kindergarten. During the exercise, a simulated grenade detonated and injured one squad member in the leg.

The remaining members neutralized the simulated terrorists. No live ammunition was used, all weapons were secured, and residents received advance notice. Forty-seven participants took part, including IDF soldiers and medical personnel from the Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade.

Magen48 instructor T. said the civil defense squad included soldiers who had served in special forces alongside others who had never held combat roles. He added that participants learned not to engage alone and that the program aims to establish a unified operational language so nearby communities can coordinate responses.

Magen48 was established in July 2024 and named for the 48 first responders killed on Oct. 7, 2023. The organization has trained 1,500 civilians and conducted more than 550 sessions. It was approached by the IDF to provide each of the 67 Gaza Envelope communities with 12 full training days annually.

Ari Briggs, a co-founder, said reports after Oct. 7 showed civilian first responders were brave but lacked adequate training and equipment. Retired British Col. Richard Kemp observed the exercises.