Gaza Becomes Israel's Testing Ground for Military Robots
Israel's increased use of robots in Gaza allows initial surveillance without jeopardizing soldiers and dogs | In an effort to avoid harming soldiers and dogs, the IDF has been experimenting with the use of robots and remote-controlled dogs in the Gaza War. Most of the tests have been with a "robot dog," which is also equipped with a drone and can replace or reinforce the Oketz Unit's dogs in certain situations. Unmanned remote-control D9 bulldozers are also being used. ● It is nothing new for the IDF to use robots and unmanned ground vehicles, especially by elite units and the Yahalom Unit operating in the tunnels. ● However, there have also been unsuccessful projects. The October 7 attack, which showed starkly that it is not possible to rely solely on technology, strengthened doubts about these developments. But defense establishment officials confirm that there has been a leap in the use and sophistication of robots on the battlefield.