“The old concept no longer exists.”
That’s how commanders describe the new approach to Israel’s community rapid-response teams following the October 7 attacks.

These civilian defense squads were the first line of protection during the Hamas assault — yet until recently, they operated with limited coordination and uneven training. That has now changed.

In recent months, members of border communities have undergone intensive, hands-on training led by fighters from elite IDF units. The drills include building breaches with terrorists inside, urban warfare, tactical movement, and emergency treatment of wounded civilians — all based on the hard lessons learned from October 7.