“Including Syria and Lebanon”: How the Israeli Army Prepares for “Operation Winter”

18th December 2024

5 minutes read

"Including Syria and Lebanon": How the Israeli Army Prepares for "Operation Winter"

The Israeli army is preparing for long-term military operations in Syria and Lebanon, requiring equipping its forces with gear to face cold weather, suggesting that military activities could continue throughout the winter.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported, that: “Israeli army forces are preparing for operations this winter across all operational areas, with a strong focus on the challenges posed by snowfall in northern regions—territory where Israeli forces have not operated for 50 years.”

The report added: “Drawing on lessons learned from its historical operations and the experiences of foreign armies accustomed to winter warfare, Israeli army forces are adopting new strategies to maintain operational readiness under extreme conditions.”

It was revealed that “approximately a week after Israeli forces seized Syria’s Mount Hermon and advanced 6 to 7.5 miles beyond the Golan Heights border, the Israeli army‘s Technology and Logistics Directorate launched an urgent and large-scale procurement initiative.”

The report stated: “This operation is supplying thousands of specialized winter items and tools, such as insulated shelters and advanced logistics services, based on the operational practices of experienced European and American armies operating in sub-zero environments.”

It added: “Through swift coordination with the Ministry of Defense’s Procurement Directorate, the Technology Directorate has already secured thousands of Canadian-made military winter boots designed for operational use in snow and sub-zero temperatures.”

The newspaper pointed out that: “Snowfall is expected in the coming weeks on the Golan Heights, the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, and multiple sites in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain deployed, particularly along the eastern sector parallel to the Ramim mountain range.”

It further stated: “In the past few months, the Israeli army has acquired over 2,000 mobile living containers, many of which are allocated for northern deployment,” adding: “These insulated units will house soldiers stationed beyond the borders in both southern Lebanon and Syria’s Golan Heights.”

The newspaper noted that: “In southern Lebanon, where forces are expected to remain for at least a month (up until the end of the assumed 60-day ceasefire stabilization period), infantry and reserve troops from the Golani Brigade have already been equipped with portable structures, insulated showers and bathrooms, heating systems, and cooking facilities.”

Winter Preparations on Mount Hermon

The report further mentioned that “logistical infrastructure is being established on Syria’s Mount Hermon, now controlled by Israel.”

It stated: “This mountainous region, rising to 9,186 feet and covering hundreds of acres, was recently abandoned by Syrian forces, and the Israeli army is now establishing its first operational site in the area.”

The report added: “The forces stationed there—including paratroopers, commando brigades, and armored units operating on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights—are being equipped with specialized gear typically reserved for mountain units.”

The Israeli newspaper elaborated: “This equipment includes three sets of thermal clothing, insulated winter sandals, ski masks to protect the face, thick socks, and insulated suits for stationary missions.”

It added: “Heated shelters are also being deployed to quickly and effectively treat soldiers suffering from hypothermia. In addition, anti-freeze systems are being installed to prevent essential equipment and batteries from freezing in cold temperatures.”

Operations Under Harsh Conditions

The report noted that: “To deal with potential disruptions caused by snowstorms or blocked supply routes, the Israeli army is stockpiling tons of pre-dried and canned foods at remote sites.”

It stated: “These stockpiles will support forces for over a week without the need for active logistical supply lines.”

An Israeli army source explained: “We have established protocols for extreme scenarios, which we encountered during past winters in outpost locations.”

The source added: “However, this situation is different—this time, we are operating in enemy territory under the imminent threat of a harsh winter. We have studied our history since the early 1970s when Israeli forces were stationed in these areas. The goal is to ensure the soldiers’ comfort, safety, and access to hot food, even in the harshest conditions. We are already delivering cooked meals to the most remote locations in Syria and Lebanon.”

The newspaper reported that the Technology Directorate is also exploring innovative solutions proven effective by armies operating in frozen climates, such as snow-melting devices that convert snow into usable water.

Officials from the Technology Directorate in the Israeli army stated: “We are not investing in expensive equipment for just a few weeks or a month. Every decision is managed wisely with long-term planning in mind.” They added: “Some procurements were accelerated through rapid tenders and international orders, while other supplies were drawn from emergency reserves.”

Improving Living Conditions

The newspaper pointed out that: “On Syria’s Golan Heights, soldiers have already received generators and portable insulated living quarters that can be dismantled within 24 hours if withdrawal orders are issued.”

It explained that initially, “the forces had to operate from the damp yet relatively spacious fortified rooms left behind by the Syrian army.”

However, the newspaper noted: “For reasons related to safety, electricity, and comfort, the Israeli army decided not to use these rooms for long-term accommodation.”

It added: “This approach contrasts with operations in Gaza, where forces often seize residential buildings for extended use during combat, adapting them with additional equipment like air conditioners or heaters.”

Comprehensive Preparations in War Zones

According to the Israeli army, extensive winter preparations have been completed in all operational areas in recent weeks.

The newspaper reported: “More than 1,900 mobile buildings and living containers equipped with air conditioning, electrical panels, and connections to fixed or portable power infrastructure have been deployed. Each housing complex includes heating systems to provide optimal conditions for soldiers.”

It added: “The Israeli army’s supply center has also distributed over 885,000 winter clothing items, including sleeping bags, insulated suits, and cold-weather gear, to complement the stock distributed throughout the year.”

The newspaper concluded: “To ensure equipment functionality, the sector has been reinforced with unique maintenance tools, including specialized field repair kits designed for operational challenges. Medical support has also been enhanced, with medical containers deployed to address weather-related health challenges.”