A blistering letter from MK Maj. Gen. (Res.) Sharon Nir, dated July 9, 2025, has revealed a disturbing failure in the protection of IDF combatants, specifically those in Battalion 605 of the Command and Staff College. Addressed to Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, the letter describes a scene of preventable danger and systemic neglect.
According to Nir, “combatants in Battalion 605… are required to operate in all military environments without receiving proper protective measures,” a situation that “endangers the lives of our heroes.” Her warning was prompted by a near-fatal incident on June 25, 2025, when an improvised explosive device detonated during a training session. The resulting investigation found “a failure to provide proper protection for combatants during training to ensure their safety.”
Even more troubling is the indication that this wasn’t an isolated oversight. Nir identifies “an existing operational deficiency in the availability of ‘smart’ tools (cameras)”—technology crucial to operational awareness and soldier protection—which “are not used by combatants in the field, while the combatants are required to operate in all military environments.”
This isn’t about resources. It’s about priorities. The tools exist. The danger is known. And yet, the protection is absent. Nir’s appeal is unambiguous: “I appeal… to return to the combatants all necessary military protection tools, including the immediate provision of appropriate protective cameras and tools in the field.”
How many warnings will be ignored? How many lives must be risked? The IDF must act—before the next “training accident” becomes another funeral.
Here is the letter in full:
The Knesset MK Major General (Res.) Sharon Nir
09.07.2025
Respectfully,
Minister of Defense, MK Yisrael Katz
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Yuli Edelstein
Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
Subject: Protection for combatants in the vicinity of FUM 605
Dear Sirs,
The report I received describes the situation of combatants in Battalion 605 of the Command and Staff College, who are required to operate in all military environments without receiving proper protective measures, which does not align with the terms of the field and endangers the lives of our heroes.
Furthermore, according to testimonies we received following the operational incident that occurred on 25.06.25 in Battalion 605 due to a near-miss explosion of a deployed improvised explosive device, which was intended for a training session.
The findings of the investigation indicate a failure to provide proper protection for combatants during training to ensure their safety and handle the operational failure that occurred.
It is important to note: There is an existing operational deficiency in the availability of "smart" tools (cameras) that are used in operational employment and are not used by combatants in the field, while the combatants are required to operate in all military environments. Therefore, I appeal to the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff to return to the combatants all necessary military protection tools, including the immediate provision of appropriate protective cameras and tools in the field. This is required for the safety of the soldiers in the arena.
Sincerely,
Major General (Res.) Sharon Nir
